Residential landlords are likely to face changes in 2025 as the new Renters’ Rights Bill passes through parliament. The government is aiming to transform the experience of private renting, including by abolishing so-called ‘no-fault evictions’ under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
The Decent Homes Standard is included in the new bill, along with a range of rules on tenancies, rent payments and other measures.
Legal Update Alert – From 1 May 2026
The Renters’ Rights Bill completed Parliament in October 2025 and received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025. It is now in law as the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
We take a look at the 8 key changes for UK landlords in 2025.
1. Tenancies Under the Renters’ Rights Bill
Fixed-term tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies will be abolished when the bill is enacted. New tenancies will give tenants the option of ending a tenancy at any time by giving a minimum of two months’ notice. It will be open to landlords to put a shorter notice period in the tenancy agreement. Any clauses requiring a longer notice period will not be valid.
Rent will be payable on a monthly basis, meaning landlords cannot require a quarter’s rent or six months of rent at a time. In addition, it will not be possible to ask a tenant for money upfront.
When a property is advertised, the rent must be displayed and agents cannot invite or encourage potential renters to offer a higher sum. This is intended to end bidding wars for properties.
2. Evictions Under the Renters’ Rights Bill
Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions will be banned.
To use a Section 8 eviction process, the landlord will need to provide proof that deposit protection is in place. No eviction will be possible in the first year of a tenancy except on the basis of non-payment of rent.
If grounds for repossession are used incorrectly, the First-tier Tribunal can order up to two years’ rent to be repaid.
Where eviction is sought on the basis of rent arrears, the landlord will need to show that three months’ rent is owed.
New definitions of anti-social behaviour will be included in the bill.
3. Increasing Rent Under the Renters’ Rights Bill
It will only be possible to increase rent once a year and two months’ notice will be needed. Rent can only be increased in line with market rent. Tenants will be able to challenge any increases they do not feel are fair by applying to the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
A statutory process will need to be used for increasing rent, which will involve serving a Section 13 rent increase notice on the tenant.
4. The Decent Homes Standard
All properties will need to comply with the Decent Homes Standard. This provides minimum condition standards for rental properties and landlords will have timeframes within which to remedy defects. Failure to comply with enforcement action could result in criminal charges.
Requirements include:
- Ensuring the property is in a reasonable state of repair
- Providing reasonably modern facilities, with kitchens less than 20 years old and bathrooms less than 30 years old
- Providing efficient heating to at least two rooms and adequate insulation
Substantial fines can be imposed if standards are breached.
5. Joining an Ombudsman Scheme
Landlords will need to join a new ombudsman scheme. The ombudsman will have the power to deal with complaints from tenants and order landlords to deal with matters, including:
- Carrying out repairs
- Paying compensation
- Giving tenants information
- Apologising to tenants for failures
6. Tenants’ Pets
Tenants will have the right to ask the landlord if they can keep a pet at the property. Landlords will have limited scope to refuse a request.
7. Discrimination
It will be illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants with children or those on benefits when letting a property.
8. A Private Rental Sector Database
A new private rented sector database will be created which will hold key information for landlords, tenants and local authorities. Tenants will be able to access the data with the intention that it assists them in making decisions about renting property.
It will enable landlords to have clear information about their legal obligations and demonstrate compliance and local authorities will be able to target enforcement action where it is necessary.
When Will the New Renters’ Rights Bill Become Law?
The bill is currently passing through parliament and it is intended that it will become law in 2025.
On the commencement date, an existing tenancy will become an assured tenancy under the terms of the new legislation.
Contact Our Property Solicitors
If you need advice on your obligations as a landlord or help in resolving a landlord and tenant dispute, call us today and we will do all we can to assist.
For more information on our services, see our litigation and dispute resolution page.
To speak to one of our expert litigation and dispute resolution solicitors, ring us on 0330 173 3980, email us at info@witansolicitors.co.uk or fill in our contact form and we will talk through your situation with you and discuss how we can assist.
