The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is set to come into force on May 1, bringing about significant reforms to England's private rental sector. Here are five of the biggest changes introduced by the act.
1. Abolition of Section 21 'No-Fault' Evictions
The Act abolishes Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, meaning landlords must now provide legitimate reasons for eviction and give tenants at least four months' notice. This change applies to all existing and new tenancy agreements.
2. End of Fixed-Term Contracts
Fixed-term contracts will be replaced by a system of open-ended or rolling tenancies. When you sign a contract, there will be no end date. This applies to both existing and new contracts, providing greater stability for tenants.
3. Prohibition of Rental Bidding
Rental bidding will be prohibited, preventing landlords from encouraging tenants to offer more than the advertised rent. This aims to make the rental process fairer and more transparent.
4. Strengthened Rights for Pets and Protection from Discrimination
Tenants will gain strengthened rights to request pets, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. It will also become illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants on benefits or with children.
5. Limits on Rent Increases and Advance Payments
New rules limit rent-in-advance requests to a maximum of one month's rent. Rent increases are restricted to once per year, and tenants can challenge excessive increases through a tribunal.
