The Renters’ Rights Act

Section 21 evictions will be abolished, and landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a specific reason.

Possession will only be granted under legally defined grounds, such as selling the property, moving yourself or for a close family member into the property, or tenant rent arrears or anti-social behaviour. All tenancies will become periodic or rolling contracts.

How to prepare for end of no-fault evictions

• Familiarise yourself with the new possession grounds - understand when and how you can lawfully regain possession. 
• Keep clear records if you plan to sell, refurbish, or move into a property to support any future possession claims.
• Improve tenant communication - a strong landlord-tenant relationship will help reduce disputes over possession.

All landlords must register their properties on a new national Private Rented Sector database. This aims to improve transparency and enforcement in the rental market.

How to prepare for the new database

• Gather essential documents ahead of time, including the Gas Safety Certificate, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
• Ensure your records are up to date, as missing documents could lead to compliance issues.
• Ensure all your property certificates and documents are easily accessible and in one central place.
• Ensure you have a robust system in place to ensure you do not miss any key deadlines.

For the first time, private landlords must meet the Decent Homes Standard, ensuring properties are safe and well-maintained, fit for human habitation, free from serious hazards such as damp, faulty wiring, or poor insulation

Awaab’s Law which will be extended to the private rented sector, requiring landlords to address damp and mould and serious issues within set timescales.

Find out more about Awaab’s Law to force landlords to fix dangerous homes (GOV.UK).

How to prepare to meet the new standards

• Conduct an inspection, either yourself or with a professional, to identify and fix potential hazards.
• Budget for necessary repairs, as non-compliance could lead to fines.
• Respond to tenant repair requests promptly, ensuring you meet the new legal timeframes.
• Ensure you have a clear process in place for communicating with your tenants.
• Ensure your tenants know how to contact you should they have a problem.
• Make clear plans for when you go on holiday or have any unexpected absences.

Rent increases will be limited to once per year. Landlords must give tenants at least two months’ notice of a rent increase.

Tenants will have the right to challenge unfair rent hikes through a tribunal.

Only one months’ rent in advance can be requested once any tenancy agreement has been signed, and before the tenancy commencement date.

How to prepare for new rules on increasing rent

• Set up a rent review calendar - plan rent adjustments in a structured way.
• Ensure rent increases are based on market conditions to avoid disputes.
• Keep clear records of rent changes and justifications.
• Do your research - get to know your local market.

A Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman will handle disputes between landlords and tenants. The Ombudsman’s decisions will be legally binding. All landlords must register with the scheme.

How to prepare for the new Ombudsman Scheme

• Sign up for the Ombudsman Scheme as soon as it’s available - it will be mandatory.
• Keep detailed records of maintenance requests and tenant interactions to help resolve disputes.
• Focus on clear communication with tenants to prevent conflicts before they escalate.
• Ensure you keep up to date on the latest developments by registering with your local authority’s mailing list, accreditation or keep updated via the DASH Services website.

Tenants will have the right to request a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.

How to prepare for new rules on pets in rentals

• Create a fair and transparent pet policy, balancing tenant need, property upkeep and property suitability.

The new law bans discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children. Tenant selection must be fair and transparent, based only on financial suitability.

How to prepare for stronger protections for tenants

• Review your tenant screening process - ensure it complies with non-discrimination rules.
• Focus only on affordability, references, and credit history when assessing applications.
• Remove any outdated policies that might unintentionally exclude certain groups.
• If you are using an agent, ensure they are following the guidance on your behalf.

Councils will have greater powers to investigate landlords and enforce compliance. Higher fines and penalties will be introduced for breaches of rental law.

How to prepare for stronger local authority enforcement

• Stay informed on local council regulations, as enforcement will be stricter.
• Conduct regular property inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Engage with local authorities proactively to stay ahead of any new requirements.