Renters' Rights Act 2025
The Renters' Rights Act was passed by Parliament in October 2025. It brings significant changes for private tenants.
The first phase (part 1 of the Act) relating to tenancy reform came into force on 1 May 2026. The rest of the Act will follow in 2 further stages. Renters can find full details of the Act on GOV.UK Shelter also have information for tenants on their website.
From the 1 May 2026, the changes include:
- An end to fixed term assured and assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs). All tenancies will be periodic assured tenancies or 'rolling tenancies'. Renters will be able to end the tenancy at any point by giving 2 months' notice.
- An end to section 21 'no-fault' evictions. After 12 months a landlord may only seek possession under specific grounds (e.g. landlord wants to sell the property or move back in).
- Within 12 months a landlord can only give notice in limited circumstances, such as rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
- Rent increases (within a tenancy) limited to once a year at the market rate. Landlords must give tenants at least 2 months' notice of a rent increase. Renters can challenge increases at the First-tier Tribunal.
- Only one month's rent will be payable in advance and landlords will be unable to request payment before agreement is signed.
- All tenants must be given a written statement of the terms of their tenancy. This information can either be given in a written tenancy agreement, or separately.
- Every tenant has the right to request a pet, which the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.
- Ends the unfair practice of rental bidding. It will be illegal to invite or accept bids above the advertised rent.
- Illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants who receive benefits or have children.
Phase 2 - likely to start 2027/28
- Introduction of a private rented sector (PRS) Ombudsman.
- New PRS database - all landlords will be required to register.
Phase 3 - timescale to be confirmed
- Extending the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS
- Awaab's Law to be extended to the PRS.
Camden Private Renters’ Week 2026
The Council held a Private Renters’ Week in March, with a series of online webinars providing private renters with further information on the wide range of new protections which started on 1 May under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. The week finished with a Private Renters’ Fair where tenants could seek expert advice, ask questions, and connect with organizations supporting private renters.
You can find out more about the Renters' Rights Act by watching the webinars or browsing the presentations from the week.
