11/05/2026
Potential wider impacts of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, now in force.
What's new:
Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, landlords in the private rented sector can no longer carry out ‘no fault’ evictions under section 21 Housing Act 1988. Evictions will be possible for valid reasons including anti-social behaviour and serious rent arrears.
Fixed term tenancies have been abolished, replaced automatically by ‘periodic’ assured tenancies which will proceed on a monthly rolling basis.
There is a new procedure for rent increases, capped at once per year. Rental bidding has been banned and the payment of rent in advance has been restricted.
Who is Affected:
Landlords and tenants in the private sector. Families and tenants on benefits will benefit from stronger anti-discrimination protections. Local authorities will be given stronger powers for enforcement and investigation. Specific advice should be sought regarding student lettings.
Key dates:
From 1 May 2026, phase 1 reforms are in force to the private rented sector. From late 2026, all landlords will need to register with a central PRS database and pay a yearly fee. In 2028 it is expected that the landlord ombudsman scheme will be fully operational. By 2030, rented homes must meet EPC C standard for energy efficiency, unless exempt.
Immediate and wider potential implications:
These are wide-reaching reforms which will have significant impacts in many areas. Even in anticipation of these reforms, many landlords have already taken the decision to sell their property, leading to an increase in property sales which could put pressure on house prices to fall, potentially leading to opportunities for more first-time buyers. It could also lead to a greater share of the rental market being held by commercial landlords rather than private landlords with small portfolios.
In regard to property sale transactions, many banks, estate agents and solicitors accept copy ID and proof of address certified by a notary for their AML checks. If you would like help with copy identification documents or an ID1 form, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Finally, as the reforms prohibit landlords from taking more than one month’s rent in advance, new solutions will need to be found for tenants who have recently arrived in the UK and do not yet have a credit score.