Historic Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Receives Royal Assent

Yesterday marked a major turning point for the private rented sector in England. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27th October, bringing the most significant reforms to residential landlord tenancy laws for almost 40 years.

At the core of the Act is the abolition of Section 21 “no fault” evictions and the move to a single, periodic tenancy structure with the ending of fixed term tenancies under the AST regime. The intention is to create a fairer balance between tenant security and legitimate landlord interests, supported by strengthened grounds for possession where a sale, occupation, or breach is proven. However, critics of the legislation believe it does not achieve this goal and goes too far in favour of tenants, with the government ignoring a series of compromise measures.

The legislation also introduces a number of other important measures, including:-

• A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman to provide swift and binding dispute resolution.
• The extension of the Decent Homes Standard and safer housing conditions to private rented homes.
• New rules to prevent rental bidding and discrimination against tenants with children or in receipt of benefits.
• A cap on rent in advance, enhanced rights to keep pets, tightening controls over rent increases, and strengthened enforcement powers for local authorities.

This Act is expected to fundamentally reshape the relationship between landlords and tenants, and all those involved in property management will need to adapt to the new landscape. Implementation guidance will follow from the Department for Housing in the coming weeks.

At Healys LLP, our Property Disputes team is already advising landlords, investors and agents on how to prepare for these changes, reviewing tenancy documentation and possession strategies to ensure compliance from the outset.

The Renters’ Rights Act continues the trend in the private rented sector towards tighter regulation and controls. It remains to be seen whether it will achieve its goals of greater fairness and accountability, Many landlords will regard it as a step backwards and expect it is likely to have a detrimental impact on the sector.

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