The Renters' Rights Act series: everything you need to know about the future of the private rented sector
Welcome to the renters' rights series. On this page, you will find a range of resources to help you navigate one of the most significant overhauls of landlord-tenant law in recent years.
The Renters' Rights Act, which was made law on 27 October 2025, introduces sweeping reforms, including the end of fixed-term and assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs), new and restructured grounds for possession and tighter restrictions on evictions. These changes are set to reshape the legal and practical framework for private rentals in England.
How can we help you?
This page brings together the latest insights, analysis and guidance to help you understand what the reforms mean for you.
Whether you're an individual who is a landlord, a tenant, letting agent or organisation working within the sector, we’ll help you stay informed, compliant and prepared.
Latest insights
Resources
FAQs
When will the abolition of Section 21 Notices come into force?
The Government will bring about the abolition of Section 21 Notices by way of secondary legislation which is expected to be passed in early 2026. Minsters have previously stated that landlords, agents, and tenants will be given sufficient time to prepare for this change.
If I serve a Section 21 Notice before the The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, can I rely upon it to issue possession proceedings?
The Renters’ Rights Act gives the Government the power to set a deadline by which proceedings reliant on a Section 21 Notice served before or after the commencement date must be issued. While this deadline has not yet been set, we anticipate the Government have introduced the relevant secondary legislation in early 2026.
Once the The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, will I still be able rely on Ground 8 if my tenant is in rent arrears?
Yes, but the The Renters’ Rights Act amends Ground 8, increasing the threshold of rent arrears required to rely on this ground. For example, where rent is payable monthly, the threshold will increase from two months to three months’ rent arrears.
The notice period required when serving a Section 8 Notice relying on Ground 8 will also increase from two week to four weeks’ notice.
Can my landlord raise the rent anytime?
Once the The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, landlords will only be able to increase the rent once per year and a proposed rent increase must reflect the market rent. Tenants must be provided with no less than two months’ notice in the prescribed form to increase the rent. You will be able to challenge a proposed increase if you believe it is excessive by applying to the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Does the Renters’ Rights Act include any enforcement powers?
Yes, the The Renters’ Rights Act creates a list of offences where a tenant can seek a rent repayment order against their landlord. For example, if a landlord provides false information to the PRS Database.
Landlords will face civil penalties of up to £7,000 for initial breaches and up to £40,000 for serious or repeat breaches.
Get in touch
If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact our property litigation solicitors by telephone on +44 (0)20 3826 7525 or complete our enquiry form.
