What the Renters’ Rights Act will mean for landlords and tenants and how we will help.

For more detailed information, you can visit the government website here.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces major changes to the private rented sector in England. The law aims to improve security and standards for renters while providing clearer rules for landlords. Most key measures are expected to come into force from 01 May 2026.

What it means for tenants

  • Greater security: “No-fault” evictions (Section 21) will be abolished, meaning landlords must give a valid legal reason to end a tenancy.
  • Open-ended tenancies: Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies will be replaced with periodic tenancies, allowing tenants to stay in their home until they choose to leave or a landlord has a lawful reason for possession.
  • Limits on rent increases: Rent can normally only be increased once per year, and tenants can challenge unfair increases at a tribunal.
  • Fairer access to housing: Landlords and agents cannot discriminate against tenants because they receive benefits or have children.
  • More transparency and support: A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman and a national landlord database will help resolve disputes and improve standards in the sector.

What it means for landlords

  • Clearer possession grounds: Landlords can still regain possession if they have a valid reason, such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, selling the property, or moving into it themselves.
  • Changes to tenancy arrangements: Most tenancies will become periodic rather than fixed-term.
  • Rent setting rules: Rent increases must follow a formal process and generally occur no more than once per year.
  • New regulatory requirements: Landlords will need to join the landlord database and ombudsman scheme and may face stronger enforcement if they breach the rules.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 places stronger duties and powers on local councils to enforce standards in the private rented sector.

New duty to enforce

Local housing authorities are legally required to enforce landlord legislation within their area and take action when breaches occur. Councils must look into reports of non‑compliance and decide on the appropriate enforcement measures.

Stronger penalties for non-compliance

Councils can impose civil penalties and other sanctions against landlords or agents who break the rules, including:

  • Fines for breaches such as failing to comply with the new tenancy system or landlord registration requirements.
  • Higher penalties for serious or repeat offences, potentially up to £40,000 or prosecution.
  • Penalties for illegal eviction or harassment of tenants.

If you have been affected by Harassment/unlawful eviction or rather breaches of tenancy rights, please contact Barnet Homes.

Ways to contact us:

  • Call: 020 8610 3539 (Open 9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri (excluding bank holidays). On Thursdays we’re open from 11:30am.)
  • Email: housingadvice@barnethomes.org

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