Renters' Rights Act
The Renter Rights Act became law on 27 October 2025 and is being implemented in stages with the first parts applying from 1 May 2026. From that date so-called Section 21 "no fault evictions" will no longer be permitted and tenants will have more rights and more security. Tenants could still be evicted via a Section 21 notice after 1 May 2026 if it was issued before that date.
Overview
The Renters’ Rights Act will:
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Abolish section 21 evictions. Landlords will still be able to evict tenants where they have good grounds, such as rent arrears and antisocial behaviour.
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Ensure property possession grounds are fair to both parties, giving tenants more security while ensuring landlords can recover their property when reasonable. Landlords will still be able to evict tenants if they want to sell or move into their property but will have to give tenants more notice to find somewhere else to live.
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Allow tenants to appeal excessive above-market rents designed to force them out.
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Introduce a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman to provide quick, fair, impartial and binding resolution for tenants’ complaints about their landlord.
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Strengthen tenants’ rights to request a pet in the property.
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Mandate rented private rented sector property owners to meet Decent Homes Standards.
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Oblige landlords in the private rented sector to work to ‘Awaab’s Law’. This sets clear legal expectations about the timeframes within which they must take action to make homes safe where they contain serious hazards such as damp and mould.
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Prevent landlords and agents from discriminating against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children.
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Outlaw rental bidding or accepting offers above the advertised rent.
Where to find more information
The Government's guide to the Renters’ Rights Act (link opens in new window).
Shelter’s guide to the Renters’ Rights Act (link opens in new window).