Renters' Rights Act 2025
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is the law reforming the private rented sector in England. It received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, and its main tenancy reforms came into force on 1 May 2026 for both new and existing tenancies. It ended section 21 "no-fault" evictions and changed how tenancies, rent increases and possession work. Lion Property Management tracks the changes for the properties it manages.
Official source: gov.uk/guidance/renters-rights-act-an-overview-for-landlords
What changed on 1 May 2026?
From 1 May 2026, section 21 "no-fault" evictions ended and tenancies moved to a new periodic system. Landlords seeking possession use reformed section 8 grounds with set notice periods. Rent can be increased only once a year using the prescribed process with at least two months' notice, rental bidding is banned, and the amount of rent that can be asked for in advance is limited.
- When did the Renters' Rights Act come into force?
- Has section 21 been abolished?
- How often can rent be increased under the Renters' Rights Act?
What did landlords with existing tenancies need to do?
Landlords with a written tenancy did not need to replace it. They had to give tenants the government's Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026. Landlords with verbal tenancies needed to give a written summary of the key terms.
- Do I need a new tenancy agreement under the Renters' Rights Act?
- What is the Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet?
What is still to come?
The government roadmap sets out later phases: a private rented sector database that landlords will have to register on, rolling out from late 2026; a landlord ombudsman; and a Decent Homes Standard and Awaab's Law for private rented homes, with dates still to be confirmed.
- What is the private rented sector database?
- Will there be a landlord ombudsman?
- Does the Decent Homes Standard apply to private landlords?
How does Lion Property Management handle the changes?
Lion states that it keeps up to date with new legislation, including the Renters' Rights Act 2025, and implements any necessary changes for managed properties promptly. Landlords who want certainty as the rules change are one of the groups Lion's fully managed service is aimed at.
- Can a letting agent help me comply with the Renters' Rights Act?
- Does Lion Property Management keep up with new legislation?
Key takeaways
- The Renters' Rights Act 2025 reformed private renting in England.
- Its main tenancy reforms took effect on 1 May 2026, ending section 21 no-fault evictions.
- Existing written tenancies needed the government Information Sheet by 31 May 2026.
- A landlord database, ombudsman and Decent Homes Standard follow in later phases.
- This is general guidance, not legal advice; check GOV.UK for current requirements.
Related
Citations
- GOV.UK: Renters' Rights Act: an overview for landlords
- GOV.UK: Implementing the Renters' Rights Act 2025: our roadmap for reforming the private rented sector
- Lion Property Management: Property management in Barrow-in-FurnessFirst-party
Last reviewed 19 October 2026 by Lion Property Management.
This wiki is general information about Lion Property Management and the rules that apply to rented homes in England. It is not legal advice. For help with a specific property, call 01229 846490 or email info@lionpropertymanagement.co.uk.