The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: your rights explained
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is the biggest change to renting in a generation. It abolished “no-fault” Section 21 evictions and strengthened tenants’ security. Here is what it means for you.
Get help with my complaintYour rights around the renters’ rights act 2025
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, and its first major changes came into force on 1 May 2026. It rebalances the relationship between landlords and tenants across England.
The headline change is the abolition of “no-fault” Section 21 evictions: your landlord can no longer evict you without a reason. It also strengthens protections against illegal eviction, improves home standards, and changes how rents can be increased.
Some of the Act applies differently to social and private tenants. For example, rent increases for social tenants continue to follow the regulated Rent Standard rather than the new private-sector process.
Key facts
Section 21 “no-fault” eviction is abolished
From 1 May 2026, landlords can no longer use Section 21 to evict tenants without a reason. To seek possession they must now use a specific legal ground (a “Section 8” ground) and, if you do not leave, get a court order.
Tenancies are now periodic
Assured shorthold tenancies have been replaced by periodic assured tenancies. There are no more fixed terms that lock you in, and you keep stronger security of tenure.
Stronger protection from illegal eviction
Local councils can now issue civil penalties against landlords who evict tenants illegally, on top of the existing criminal offences under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
Better home standards
The Act extends the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law (strict deadlines to fix serious hazards like damp and mould) more widely, and creates a new ombudsman service for private landlords.
What to do step by step
Keep a written record at every stage. Dates and written communications are your most important evidence.
Know that you cannot be evicted without a reason
If your landlord tries to make you leave without a valid legal ground and a court order, that is not lawful. See our guide on unlawful eviction.
Check any notice you are given
A possession notice must state a specific Section 8 ground. A notice on its own is not an eviction: only a court can order possession, and only bailiffs can carry it out.
Use the improved standards rules
If your home has serious hazards, the strengthened Decent Homes and Awaab’s Law rules give you clear routes to get them fixed.
Complain and escalate if your rights are breached
Raise a formal complaint with your landlord and escalate to the Housing Ombudsman. Use TenantSafe to generate a correctly-referenced letter.
Get a formal complaint letter in minutes
TenantSafe produces a correctly-referenced complaint letter based on your specific situation, with the right legal references, the right deadlines and the right tone. It is free and takes less than 10 minutes.
Generate my free complaint letterCommon questions
When did the Renters’ Rights Act take effect?+
It received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, with the first major changes, including the abolition of Section 21, coming into force on 1 May 2026.
Does this mean I can never be evicted?+
No. Your landlord can still seek possession, but only using a specific legal ground (a Section 8 ground) and, if you do not leave, a court order. They can no longer evict you for no reason.
Does the Act change my rent?+
For private tenants, rent rises follow a new annual process with a tribunal challenge. For social tenants, rent continues to be governed by the regulated Rent Standard (capped at CPI+1% a year). See our rent increase guide.
What is an assured periodic tenancy?+
It is the tenancy type that replaced assured shorthold tenancies under the Act: a rolling tenancy with no fixed end date, giving you stronger security of tenure.