Landlords
A plain-English overview of what's changing and what it means for your portfolio. Followed by a free, personalised compliance review.
In three sentences
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is the biggest reform of private renting in England in a generation. Its first phase came into force on 1 May 2026: existing assured shorthold tenancies became periodic, Section 21 evictions ended, and new rules now govern rent increases, pets and discrimination. Further pieces, including a landlord database and an ombudsman, follow in stages.
The 2026 Briefing
This series as a typeset PDF: ten changes, one checklist, checked against GOV.UK. Print it, or forward it to a fellow landlord.
Understand how tenancy structures are changing and what it means for your existing agreements.
New rules on the grounds and process for regaining possession of your property.
How and when rent can be increased under the updated framework.
Tenant rights around keeping pets, and what landlords can reasonably require in response.
Planned condition standards for the private rented sector. The powers exist in the Act, with commencement dates still to be set.
How local authorities can act against non-compliant landlords, and how to avoid issues.
Practical, plain-English guides to each part of the Act, with official sources linked throughout.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is the biggest reform of private renting in England in a generation. Its first phase came into force on 1 May 2026: existing assured shorthold tenancies became periodic, Section 21 evictions ended, and new rules now govern rent increases, pets and discrimination. Further pieces, including a landlord database and an ombudsman, follow in stages.
Yes. Existing assured shorthold tenancies converted automatically to periodic assured tenancies on 1 May 2026, and transitional rules cover things like notices served before that date. We review each tenancy individually as part of a compliance review rather than applying a blanket answer.
Yes, once a year, using the prescribed statutory form with at least two months' notice. Tenants can challenge an above-market increase at a tribunal, so evidence-based figures matter more than ever.
Tenants have a statutory right to request a pet and landlords can only refuse with a valid reason, responding case by case in writing. The proposed requirement for tenants to hold pet insurance did not survive into the Act as passed, so consent should not be made conditional on it.
Start with a portfolio compliance review: tenancy paperwork, deposit protection, licensing, safety certificates and property condition. That gives you a clear, prioritised action list.
This page provides general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Legislation is subject to change. Always confirm current requirements with an official source such as GOV.UK or a qualified legal adviser before making decisions about your tenancies.
Book a free compliance review and we'll flag anything that needs attention against current legislation.