Renters Rights Act Becomes Law: What It Means for Landlords, Agents, and Tenants

After years of debate and delay, the Renters Rights Bill has officially received Royal Assent, becoming the Renters Rights Act 2025. This landmark legislation represents the most significant overhaul of the private rented sector in almost 40 years — with profound implications for both landlords and letting agents across England.

At Stewarts Estates, we recognise the importance of clarity and preparation as these reforms come into effect. While implementation dates have yet to be confirmed, we are already working to ensure that all our landlords and clients are fully informed and ready for the changes ahead.

The Renters Rights Act introduces a sweeping set of reforms designed to modernise tenancy law, improve housing standards, and enhance tenant security. However, with such major change comes the need for careful, practical implementation to ensure fairness for landlords as well as protection for tenants.

Below is a summary of the key reforms that will define the new landscape for property letting and management in England:

The Act officially abolishes Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, meaning landlords can no longer end a tenancy without providing a specific reason. Future evictions must rely on clearly defined legal grounds, such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or a landlord’s intention to sell or move into the property.

Fixed-term tenancies will be replaced by open-ended, rolling agreements. Tenants will be able to give two months’ notice to end their tenancy at any time, while landlords will have to rely on legitimate possession grounds under the new system.

To create a fairer and more transparent rental process, landlords and agents will be prohibited from soliciting or accepting rent offers above the advertised price.

Rent can now only be increased once every 12 months, and landlords must give at least two months’ written notice. Tenants will also have the right to challenge any proposed increase through a tribunal if they believe it to be excessive or unjustified.

Landlords will no longer be able to reject prospective tenants solely because they have children or receive benefits. This measure aims to ensure fair access to housing for all applicants.

For the first time, the Decent Homes Standard — previously applied to social housing — will extend to privately rented homes. This sets clear minimum standards for property condition, safety, and quality.

The Act introduces a new centralised register of landlords and their properties, improving transparency and accountability across the sector. This register will also help tenants verify legitimate landlords and agents.

Tenants will have a new legal right to request permission to keep a pet in their rental property. Landlords will only be able to refuse such requests on reasonable grounds, creating a more balanced approach to pet ownership within rented homes.

Speaking on the passage of the Act, Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), emphasised the need for practical, well-communicated implementation:

“After years of debate and uncertainty, today marks an important milestone for the private rented sector. With the Renters Rights Act on the statute book, the sector needs certainty about the way forward.

The Government must ensure that the new systems work for both tenants and responsible landlords — and that implementation is fair, proportionate, and deliverable.”

Beadle also urged the Government to provide at least six months’ notice before the reforms take effect, to allow landlords and agents to adapt systems, contracts, and compliance documentation — particularly for student housing and multi-tenancy properties.

The Renters Rights Act will reshape the relationship between landlords, tenants, and letting agents. For landlords, maintaining compliance will require proactive attention to documentation, tenancy structures, and communication processes. For agents, the emphasis will be on transparency, record-keeping, and consistent adherence to fair practice.

At Stewarts Estates, we’re already reviewing how these reforms may affect our Scale of Charges, tenancy agreements, and property management services to ensure full compliance and a smooth transition for all clients.

We will continue to issue updates as implementation dates and enforcement details are announced by the Government.

As an independent lettings and property management company serving Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch, Stewarts Estates remains committed to protecting our clients’ interests and upholding the highest professional standards.

We encourage all landlords to stay informed and to seek professional guidance early to ensure their properties, documentation, and management practices meet the new legal requirements.

For tailored advice or to discuss how the Renters Rights Act may affect your portfolio, please contact our team today.