Renters’ Rights Legislation Explained: 10 Key Changes You Need to Know

• Section 21 (“no-fault”) evictions will be abolished. Existing valid notices issued before the commencement date remain enforceable.
• Section 8 notices will continue, with new and revised grounds for possession, including selling the property, moving in, or tenant breach.
• Misuse of possession grounds (e.g., falsely claiming to sell) may result in prosecution or fines of up to £40,000.
• Landlords must use an updated Form 3 for eviction notices (Form 6A will be withdrawn).
• New specific grounds introduced for employment-linked and tied accommodation (e.g. farm workers, ministers of religion).
• Landlords cannot issue a sale-related notice in the first 12 months of a tenancy.

• Tenants must give two months’ notice, ending on the last day of a rental period.
• Joint tenancies end for all tenants if one gives notice.
• Licences and contractual tenancies are not currently covered, pending clarification from Government.

• Rent increases can only be made via a Section 13 notice, and tenants may challenge the increase through the First-tier Tribunal, which can determine the market rate.
• If a rent challenge is upheld, the tenant must continue to pay existing rent until the tribunal decision; backdated payments can apply if the tribunal confirms the increase.
• Rent in advance is capped at one month’s rent.
  • Applies only to new tenancies created after commencement.
  • Breach may result in a civil penalty up to £5,000 and repayment of overpaid rent.

• A mandatory Landlords’ Ombudsman Scheme will be established, similar to agents’ redress schemes.
• All landlords must join, regardless of whether they use a managing agent.
• Fees will apply (details to follow) and are expected to be annual and per property.
• The scheme will handle tenant complaints only; Landlords cannot raise complaints against tenants.
• Letting agents will be prohibited from marketing properties where landlords are not registered.

• A new national database will hold Landlord details, property information, and compliance records.
• Some details will be publicly available, including offences, financial penalties, and property standards.
• Registration fees and late penalties will apply.
• The PRS Database will later link to the Property Portal, replacing the “Rogue Landlord Database”.
• Local authorities remain responsible for enforcement; selective licensing schemes will continue for now.

• “No DSS” or blanket bans against tenants with children or on benefits will be unlawful.
• Landlords may still assess affordability and suitability on a case-by-case basis.
• Bidding wars are prohibited – Landlords and agents cannot request or accept rent above the advertised price.
• Breaches may lead to fines up to £7,000.

• Tenants gain a right to request pets, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.
• No additional pet deposit is permitted.
• If a superior landlord or head lease prohibits pets, consent can be refused.
• Disputes can be escalated to the Ombudsman or courts.

• The Decent Homes Standard (DHS) will extend to all privately rented homes.
• Councils can issue improvement notices, with fines up to £7,000 for non-compliance, or rent repayment orders for serious breaches.
• The Secretary of State may impose higher standards for certain property types (e.g. HMOs or student housing).

• Will extend to the private rented sector following consultation in 2026.
• Landlords will be required to investigate within two weeks and begin repairs within seven days of identifying damp or mould (subject to final timescales).
• Failure to act could lead to enforcement action or compensation orders.

• Local authorities gain enhanced investigatory powers, modelled on Trading Standards.
• Fines:
  • Up to £7,000 for initial or minor offences.
  • Up to £40,000 for severe or repeat offences.
• Councils can enter properties without prior notice, but must notify Landlords within 24 hours after entry.

We will continue to monitor updates and guidance from the Government and Propertymark as further details, transition dates, and practical implementation measures are released.

Full details can be found in the official Government guidance, or speak to a member of our Lettings team.
Guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill