In the Renters' Rights Act 2025 roadmap, the Government have set out their intended timelines for implementation, with phase one of changes due to come into effect from 1st May 2026.
a) Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions abolished
Landlords in the PRS will no longer be able to use section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 to evict their tenants.
b) Introduction of Assured Periodic Tenancies in the private rented sector (PRS)
The vast majority of new tenancies and existing tenancies in the PRS will become Assured Periodic Tenancies. This means tenants will be able to stay in their property for as long as they want, or until a landlord serves a valid section 8 notice. Tenants will be able to end their tenancy by giving two months’ notice.
c) Reformed possession grounds in the PRS so they are fair for both parties
Landlords will only be able to evict tenants when they have a valid reason. Possession grounds will be extended to make it easier for landlords to evict tenants who commit anti-social behaviour, or who are in serious persistent rent arrears.
d) Rent increases limited to once a year in the PRS
Landlords will have to follow the revised section 13 procedure and provide the tenant with a notice detailing the proposed rent increase at least 2 months before it is due to take effect.
e) Rental bidding banned and changes to rent in advance
Landlords and letting agents will not be able to ask for, encourage, or accept an offer that is higher than the advertised rent. Landlords and agents will also not be able to request more than 1 month’s rent in advance.
f) It will become illegal to discriminate against renters who have children or receive benefits
Landlords and letting agents will not be able to do anything to make a tenant less likely to rent a property (or prevent them from renting it) because they have children or receive benefits. This includes withholding information about a property (including its availability), stopping someone from viewing it, or refusing to grant a tenancy.
g) Landlords in the PRS will be required to consider tenant requests to rent with a pet
Landlords will have an initial 28 days to consider their tenant’s request, and they will have to provide valid reasons if they refuse it.
h) Strengthened local council enforcement and rent repayment orders
Civil penalties will be expanded, and there will be a new requirement for local councils to report on enforcement activity. Rent repayment orders will be extended to superior landlords, the maximum penalty will be doubled, and repeat offenders required to pay the maximum amount.