The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now law. Landlords, letting agents, and anyone acting on their behalf must understand and follow the new rules when they come into force.
Key changes from 1 May 2026
From this date, the rules for renting and evictions will change:
- Evictions: Section 21 “no fault” evictions are banned.
- Tenancy types: All ‘assured shorthold tenancies’ will automatically change to ‘assured tenancies’.
- Taking back a property: Landlords can only evict tenants using the new rules under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988.
Fines and penalties
The council is responsible for enforcing the Act. Anyone who fails to comply with the law is at risk of financial penalties or criminal prosecution.
For further details please see the following guidance:
- GOV.UK – Renting out your property: an overview for landlords and letting agents details the changes
- GOV.UK Campaign – Housing Hub
- Get emails from GOV.UK about changes to private renting
- Renters’ Rights Act 2025: Implementation roadmap
- Shelter – Renters’ Rights Act: changes for private tenants