Renters' Rights Act 2025: Changes for private landlords

The Renters' Rights Act became law on 27^th October 2025. The Government has released some key dates for when parts of the Act will come into effect:

• March 2026 – The Government will publish an information sheet that will need to be issued to your existing tenants.
• 1^st May 2026 – The first phase of the Act will come into effect. This will include most changes, like getting rid of ‘no fault’ evictions and assured shorthold tenancies, limiting rent increases and accepting tenants’ requests for pets.
• 31^st May 2026 – This is the deadline for providing the required information sheet to existing tenants, informing them about the changes.
• Late 2026 – The second phase of the Act will be implemented, including the Private Rental Sector (PRS) database and Landlord Ombudsman going live for private landlords.
• 1^st October 2030 – By this date, privately rented properties will need to evidence an EPC rating of at least C; exemptions apply.
• 2035 – The full Decent Homes Standard will come into effect for private landlords.

These changes are still being announced. For a full list of when the changes come into effect, please check the Government’s implementation roadmap.

• The Renters' Rights Act 2025 prevents discrimination, for example, against tenants who might have been discounted due to having children or receiving benefits.
• Tenants will also have the right to request having pets live at the property. You will only be able to refuse in certain circumstances – for example, if the pet wouldn’t be suitable for the property size.

• From May 2026, you won’t be able to increase rent more than once a year, and you’ll need to give at least two months’ notice to tenants when you do.
• Tenants will be able to challenge rent increases and take the case to a tribunal that will decide if the increase is reasonable.
• Rental bidding and rent-in-advance practices will be banned. This means you can’t accept offers of rent above what is advertised, or ask for multiple months’ rent in advance. 

• As part of this Act, the Decent Homes Standard will now be applied to the private rental sector. It won’t come fully into effect until 2035, but some key parts will be implemented earlier.
• By October 2030, privately rented properties will need to have an EPC rating of C or above. The Government has published information on how to evidence this and the potential exemptions that apply.
• For 2035, you will also need to provide evidence that your properties are free from category 1 hazards and free of damp or mould. The Government has included more details in their updated guidance on the new Decent Homes Standard.