While it might not be as cosy and entertaining as Love Actually (which will be top of all our movie lists this Christmas). If you are a landlord you might be more interested in the Law, Actually. In particular the official legal changes to tenancies that came into effect on October 27th 2025. The Renters Rights Bill will be affecting your rights and responsibilities as a landlord. Therefore, here we break down when the law will kick into action and the key changes to be aware of. Furthermore, by getting prepared early you can make sure you are legally compliant. Also, understand how the legislation affects you and your tenancies.
What Is The Renter’s Right’s Act?
Essentially the Renter’s Rights Act 2025 sets out a new legal framework for UK tenancies. It makes major updates to everything from deposits, rental limits to evictions. Additionally, the updates aim to achieve more of a balance between landlords and tenants. Hence, providing more security for those who rent in the UK. As a landlord you may need to make changes to ensure you are compliant and follow the new rules.
So, What Are The Major Changes For Landlords?
Without getting into the nitty gritty, here are the major changes that will affect you as a landlord;
Abolition Of S21 Notices
Under the old law you could evict a tenant via a s21 notice. To fulfil the requirements of this notice you simply had to make sure you followed the right time frames and gave two months notice. A s21 could be served without fault of the tenant giving you a lot more freedom over how, why and when you evict a tenant. Under the Renters Rights Act you will only be able to evict a tenant using a s8 notice and specify a specific ground. However, tenants rights let them to serve notice and walk away whenever they choose to. Of course after giving the correct amount of notice.
Abolition Of Assured Shorthold Tenancies
Whereas previously the law allowed landlords to grant assured shorthold tenancies, the Renter’s Rights Act does not. There will be no fixed term allowed to be set in a tenancy. Hence, this gives landlords far less certainty and tenants far more freedom to exit a tenancy.
Rent Reviews
As a landlord naturally you will want to increase the rent in longer tenancies to meet the market conditions. Under the Renter’s Right Act 2025 you will only be able to do so by following s13 of the Housing Act 1988. Generally, this allows for one rent increase per year with two months notice that can be challenged by the tenant. Moreover, bidding wars will also be banned on properties. This could affect the investing potential of UK property and may have wider impacts on the housing market.
Tenancy Deposits
The deposit a tenant gives will remain capped at five weeks rent or six weeks if the annual rent exceeds £50,000 per annum. The same protection that currently applies to assured shorthold tenancies will continue to apply to new tenancies.
When Does The Renters Rights Act Become Actual Law?
While the Renter’s Right Act received royal ascent on October 27th 2025, the main changes will not come into effect until 1st May 2026. This allows for a transitional period for landlords to get ready for the updates. More clarity will be given as to the effects of the legislation early next year.
What Can You Do To Get Ready?
Speaking to one of our landlord and tenant property solicitors is a good place to start. We can answer any questions you have about your current tenancies. Furthermore, help you prepare new ones for future tenancies that comply with the act. Understanding is key. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the changes however they can be broken down quite simply. Our team is here to help ensure the smooth and successful journey for your future as landlord.
To book a free consultation, give us a call or request a call back here.
Final Thoughts
There has been a lot of talk about the Renter’s Rights Act for a while. Now that it has actually become law, it is important to separate the facts from the fiction. The Act will impact all tenancies with key changes being abolishing s21 notices, restricting rent reviews and removing assured shorthold tenancies. To get prepared it is always worth jumping on a call with an experienced property solicitor. They can break things down, keep you up to date and make sure you stay compliant going forward. After all, that is what we are here for.
