Part 1: The Renters’ Rights Act - What It Means for Tenants

One of the biggest changes now in effect is the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions.
Landlords can no longer ask tenants to leave without providing a valid reason.

Instead:

• All evictions must be based on legal grounds
• Clear justification must be provided
• Formal processes must be followed

This significantly increases tenants' security, removing the risk of being asked to leave without cause.

Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies have been replaced by periodic (rolling) tenancies as the norm. This means the following:

• Tenancies do not have a fixed end date
• Tenants can remain in their homes for as long as they like
• Tenants may vacate the property with notice, which is typically two months

The new system provides increased flexibility and lessens the need for landlords and tenants to repeatedly renew their tenancy agreements.

One of the new measures set out in the Act is the introduction of stricter rules about rent increases. Currently, the following applies:

• A landlord can only increase rent after one year of tenancy
• Landlords must follow an established notice process before increasing the rent
• A tenant has the right to contest the rent increase through a tribunal

Rental bidding wars have also been banned, meaning properties must be advertised with a fixed asking price.

Limits on the amount of rent that can be charged before moving in have been introduced, resulting in a lower financial barrier for tenants to move.

This makes it easier for tenants to:

• Secure a new property
• Move between homes
• Manage upfront costs more effectively

The Act introduces clearer protections against discrimination.

Landlords can no longer refuse tenants simply because they:

• Receive benefits
• Have children

Tenants also benefit from:

• Greater transparency in agreements
• Clearer rights and responsibilities
• Improved access to formal dispute resolution

Tenants now have the legal right to request a pet.
Landlords must consider these requests and cannot unreasonably refuse them, although reasonable conditions (such as insurance) may still apply.

The Decent Homes Standard now applies to private rentals.
Properties must meet minimum standards for:

• Safety
• Repair
• Overall condition

There are also stricter requirements for addressing hazards such as damp and mould, with clearer expectations around response times.

The introduction of a landlord database and ombudsman creates a more transparent and accountable rental system.

Tenants now have clearer routes to:

• Raise complaints
• Resolve disputes
• Hold landlords accountable

These changes mark a major shift in the renting experience, giving tenants more stability, flexibility, and protection.

In Part 2, we’ll look at the other side - what the new law means for landlords, including updated responsibilities, compliance requirements, and changes to property management.