An estimated 11 million individuals rent privately in the United Kingdom, and I was among them until very recently. I am familiar with the vulnerability that comes with relying on landlords who can evict you at short notice for reasons like complaints, poor service, mold, or overcharging.
Legislation safeguarding renters from unscrupulous landlords who can abruptly evict them is a positive development. While there are many excellent landlords, a significant number’s behavior has necessitated these new regulations. Although not flawless, renters can now have a bit more peace of mind going forward.
The Renters’ Rights Act has now become law after extensive debates in the House of Commons and Lords. However, the implementation of many new rules will be phased in gradually over the next few months and into mid-2026. Resources like Shelter provide detailed guidance on the new regulations.
The new law eliminates ‘no fault’ evictions, previously allowed under Section 21, where landlords could give tenants two months’ notice without providing a reason. Instead, tenancies will transition to ‘Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs),’ with no set end date, continuing until either party terminates the agreement for valid reasons.
Although rent increases are permitted, landlords cannot raise rent during a tenancy term. They can only increase rent once a year with a mandatory two months’ notice. If a tenant breaches rules, they must receive a ‘Section 8’ notice detailing the grounds for eviction.
The legislation aims to prevent ‘backdoor evictions’ where landlords exploit rent hikes to force tenants out for higher-paying occupants. Tenants can challenge excessive rent increases through the ‘First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber – Residential Property).’
A new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman will be established to offer tenants a swift, impartial resolution mechanism for complaints. The law also grants tenants more rights to request pet ownership, though landlords can still refuse unreasonably.
In conjunction with the Renters’ Rights Law, ‘the Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025’—known as Awaab’s Law—addresses various hazards landlords must rectify. It also extends protection to private renters in the future.
The new law prohibits landlords from charging more than one month’s rent upfront, bans rental bidding, and enforces stricter penalties on non-compliant landlords. Despite concerns from landlords, the regulations aim to balance tenant protections with landlords’ rights.