Renters' Rights Act 2025 - Frequently Asked Questions

The Renters’ Rights Act has now passed into law and will start to take effect from 1st May 2026.  Please see the following Frequently Asked Questions we have produced, however, please do not hesitate to contact our team should you have any further queries.

How will the changes affect my current tenancy? 

The Act confirms that as of 01/05/2026 all current Assured Shorthold Tenancies will automatically become Periodic Tenancies. To summarise, this means that from the 1st May any tenancies that have a fixed term still to run, will become periodic(monthly).  For example, if a fixed term tenancy was entered into running from 1/2/2026 to 31/1/27 the end date will no longer apply.  Instead, the tenancy will run until either the landlord or tenant brings the tenancy to an end under the provisions of the Act. 

How can I end the tenancy? 

As a landlord, you would serve notice in a similar way to how this works currently, however you will need a valid reason for doing so such as your wish to sell the property or move into the property.   You would need to serve a Section 8 notice rather than the Section 21 notice that is commonly used now.  

You can still serve notice to end the tenancy should your tenant be in breach, for example rent arrears, in a similar way that you can now. 

Naturally we have a very experienced team who will be able to arrange the service of Section 8 Notices on your behalf. 

How much notice will I need to give my tenant? 

A landlord will be required to provide 4 months’ notice to end a tenancy and the tenancy must have commenced at least 1 year prior to expiry of the notice.  
  
To seek possession for the non-payment of rent, landlords can do so once their tenant is at least 3 months in arrears, an increase from the 2 months currently in place.

Our team can guide you through these processes and arrange for the service of the Section 8 Notice. 

How much notice does a tenant have to give me?

Tenants will be required to provide landlords with 2 months’ notice to end a tenancy and this date must align with the end date of a rent period. This will apply to all tenancies from the date of implementation irrespective of any fixed term agreed prior to that date. 

Can I still increase the rent? 

You will be able to increase your rent every 12 months to what is deemed current market rent and only by serving a Section 13 notice on the tenant, as well as giving 2 months’ notice.   

As a business we will be carrying out an annual rent and compliance review on all managed properties.

What if my tenant disputes the proposed rent increase? 

If a tenant doesn’t agree with a proposed increase, we will always try and negotiate a position that is acceptable to all parties however subject to agreement not being met, as now, tenants can apply to the First Tier Tribunal for a determination. They must apply prior to expiry of the Section 13 Notice notifying them of the increase. The increase is not payable until the Tribunal has made its determination; however, under a recent amendment government will have the power to decide whether this is payable from expiry of the Section 13 Notice or from when the tribunal makes its decision. 

Is it correct that I won’t be able to accept an offer more than the advertised rent? 

Yes, this is correct.  Landlords and agents will no longer be able to accept a higher rent than the property has been advertised at which means it is vital the advertisement is done correctly from the outset.

Our team will ensure we are maximising your rental income.

Will I be prevented from accepting more than 1 months’ rent in advance? 

This is correct.   Rent can only be collected once the tenancy agreements have been signed, and this cannot exceed 1 months’ rent.  

Must I allow a tenant to keep a pet?

Not exactly however, where a landlord refuses consent, they must be able to reasonably justify why not. If the tenant disagrees, this might result in the matter being referred to the Ombudsman.

Will I have to register with a landlord database?

Yes – landlords will also be required to register with a landlord database. It is looking increasingly unlikely that the scheme will be in place when the Act is implemented. 

Will there be changes to property standards?

More information is awaited on this provision which aims to build on existing regulations in setting clear standards around the condition, maintenance, and repair of tenanted properties.  
 
Awaabs Law, when introduced, looks set to stipulate that landlords and agents must deal with damp, mould, and condensation effectively and ensure properties are safe.