Anticipation is building as landmark rental property legislation nears implementation. From May 1, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 will come into force, bringing sweeping reforms to England's private rental sector.
End of Section 21 'No-Fault' Evictions
Landlords will no longer be able to serve a Section 21 'no-fault' eviction notice. Currently, landlords can evict tenants without providing a reason, giving them only two months to find a new home. This instability often forces families into temporary accommodation and can lead to homelessness. The new Act requires landlords to provide a legitimate reason for eviction, which may need to be proven in court. Renters will receive four months' notice for most eviction types, offering greater security and confidence to complain about poor conditions.
Open-Ended Tenancies Replace Fixed-Term Contracts
All tenancies will become open-ended or rolling, with no end date. Existing fixed-term contracts will switch to this system on May 1. Tenants can leave at any time with two months' notice, preventing them from being locked into unsuitable or unaffordable properties.
Rental Bidding Prohibited
The Act requires landlords to advertise a starting rent and forbids accepting or soliciting bids above that rate. This aims to eliminate 'bidding wars' that inflate rental prices through false competition. Effective implementation and enforcement will be crucial.
Strengthened Rights for Pets
Tenants now have the right to request a pet, and landlords must provide a valid reason to refuse. This change recognizes the importance of pets to many renters.
Discrimination Ban
It becomes illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective tenants receiving benefits or with children. This tackles the unfair exclusion of renters who can afford properties but are locked out due to their income source or family status.
Limit on Rent-in-Advance Requests
From May 1, landlords can only ask for a maximum of one month's rent in advance after signing the tenancy agreement. Previously, large upfront sums unfairly excluded low-income renters, especially those on benefits.
Rent Increases Capped
Landlords can increase rent only once per year, not in the first year of a new tenancy, and must provide at least two months' notice using Form 4A. Tenants can challenge excessive increases at the First-tier Tribunal, which determines market rent. However, the Act does not limit the size of increases beyond market rate, so large jumps may still occur.
