The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 came into force on 1 May 2026. It introduces the most significant changes to England’s private rented sector since the Housing Act 1988. This page summarises the changes that affect tenants and landlords renting through 3 Property NE Ltd. For tenants: if you had a tenancy in place before 1 […]
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 came into force on 1 May 2026. It introduces the most significant changes to England’s private rented sector since the Housing Act 1988. This page summarises the changes that affect tenants and landlords renting through 3 Property NE Ltd.
Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) have been abolished. All existing ASTs automatically converted to Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs). New tenancies are also Assured Periodic Tenancies from the outset. There is no fixed term — the tenancy continues on a rolling basis (usually monthly) until ended by tenant notice or by the landlord using a valid legal ground.
Landlords can no longer issue Section 21 notices. To regain possession, a landlord must rely on one of the statutory grounds for possession under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988. Examples include rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, the landlord intending to sell, or moving in a family member. Some grounds — including sale and moving in — cannot be used in the first 12 months of a tenancy.
Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, using Form 4A under Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988. At least 2 months’ written notice is required. Rent review clauses in tenancy agreements are no longer enforceable. Any proposed increase must not exceed open-market rent, and tenants can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal.
Tenants can end the tenancy at any time by giving the landlord at least 2 months’ written notice. The end date must fall on a day rent is due, or the day before. Shorter notice can be agreed in writing if all named tenants consent.
Tenants now have a contractual right to request a pet. Landlords must respond within 28 days and cannot unreasonably refuse. Any refusal must be supported by valid reasons specific to the request, given in writing.
Landlords and letting agents cannot treat applicants less favourably because they have children or receive benefits. Decisions must be based on lawful affordability and referencing criteria only.
Landlords cannot demand more than one month’s rent at a time, and cannot take rent before the tenancy is signed.
For new tenancies starting on or after 1 May 2026, landlords must provide a written statement of the key tenancy terms before the tenancy is signed. We provide this as a matter of course on every tenancy.
Civil penalties for non-compliance now range from £7,000 (first offence) to £40,000 (repeat or serious offences). Local authorities also have expanded investigatory powers.
3 Property NE Ltd has updated all our tenancy templates, processes and compliance documentation to comply with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. For tenancies we manage that pre-date 1 May 2026, we have served (or are serving) the Government’s Information Sheet on all named tenants. If you are one of our landlords and need advice on how the Act affects a specific tenancy, please contact us.
The Act is being implemented in phases. Phase 2 is expected later in 2026, introducing a new Private Rented Sector database, a dedicated Landlord Redress Scheme, and the extension of Awaab’s Law (which requires landlords to deal with damp and mould hazards within set timeframes) to the private rented sector. We will update this page as further provisions come into force.
Last updated: May 2026. This page is a summary for information only and does not constitute legal advice.