The first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 took effect on 1 May 2026 and has reshaped private renting in England.

The headline changes

  • Section 21 “no-fault” evictions are abolished. Landlords must now rely on the updated grounds for possession in Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988.
  • Periodic tenancies. Existing assured shorthold tenancies became rolling periodic assured tenancies and all new tenancies are periodic from the start.
  • Rent increases are limited to once a year using the statutory Section 13 process, and tenants can challenge above-market increases at tribunal.
  • Rent in advance cannot be demanded for more than one month.
  • Pets and discrimination. Tenants have the right to request a pet, and blanket bans on tenants receiving benefits or with children are unlawful.
  • Information Sheet. Landlords must give tenants the government’s prescribed Information Sheet.

What you should do

Check that your tenancy paperwork is up to date, deposits are protected, your safety certificates are valid and your agent is using compliant marketing and offer procedures. Later phases will introduce a landlord database and a single Ombudsman, so keep good records now.

Ideal Locations’ compliance tracker and landlord portal make these records easy to maintain. Request a free rental valuation to see how we can help.