The private rented sector in England is undergoing one of the most significant regulatory changes in a generation. The Renters’ Rights Act will reshape how tenancies operate, how landlords regain possession of their properties, and the rights tenants have within the housing market.
At Pure Investor, we believe it is essential that both landlords and tenants clearly understand what these changes mean in practice. The aim of this guide is to explain the key elements of the new legislation in straightforward terms and to help property owners prepare for the new framework.
While many of the reforms are designed to improve security for tenants, they also introduce new responsibilities for landlords. Ensuring compliance will be critical, and professional management will become increasingly valuable as the regulatory environment evolves.
Our team continues to monitor the implementation of the legislation and will support our landlords in adapting to the new rules. If you have any questions about how the Renters’ Rights Act may affect your property or tenancy, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The Renters’ Rights Act is legislation designed to reform the private rented sector in England. Its objective is to provide greater security for tenants while establishing clearer rules and responsibilities for landlords.
The Act changes how tenancies are structured, how landlords can regain possession of properties, and introduces new regulatory systems intended to improve standards across the rental market.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has already passed into law, but the main changes do not take effect immediately. The first major phase comes into force on 1st May 2026, and from this date, there are a number of core tenancy reforms which will apply across England.
The following major changes start on that date:
Other elements of the Act will be introduced later in additional phases, including:
Traditional fixed‑term assured shorthold tenancies, which have traditionally been the structure will largely be replaced by periodic tenancies. These agreements continue indefinitely until either the tenant or landlord legally ends the tenancy.
Existing tenancies are expected to transition to periodic agreements once the legislation takes effect. Most of the existing terms will remain valid unless they conflict with the new law.
Section 21 ‘no‑fault’ evictions will be abolished. Landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy without providing a specific legal reason.
Landlords will still be able to recover possession under specific legal grounds. These include situations such as serious rent arrears, breaches of tenancy terms, anti‑social behaviour, or where the landlord intends to sell the property or move into it.
Under the new system, rent increases will generally be limited to once per year and must follow the correct legal process.
Tenants will have the ability to challenge a rent increase through a property tribunal if they believe it significantly exceeds market levels.
Tenants will be able to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords must consider the request and cannot refuse without reasonable justification.
The reforms are expected to introduce stronger property standards designed to ensure rental homes are safe, well maintained and free from serious hazards.
A national database of landlords and rental properties is expected to be introduced. This system will allow local authorities to monitor compliance and improve transparency in the private rented sector.
Landlords will need to adapt to new tenancy structures, stricter compliance obligations and changes to possession procedures. Reviewing tenancy agreements and management processes will be an important step in preparing for the new legislation.
Tenants will benefit from greater security, clearer rights and stronger protections within the rental system.
