Renters Rights Act 2025 - What you need to know

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Key changes
Government guidance
Useful links

The Renters Rights Act 2025 bring big changes to renting homes in England.

These changes are to make renting fairer, safer and better for people who rent homes. They also help landlords understand the rules

The law came in to effect on 27 October 2025. The new rules will be implemented in stages.

Key dates and changes

27 December 2025

Local authorities gain new powers to investigate and enforce compliance. This includes property access and document requests

30 April 2026

Last date landlords can serve a Section 21 "no-fault" eviction notice

From 01 May 2026 - Major Tenancy Reforms

Section 21 abolished - no more "no-fault" evictions
All tenancies become assured periodic (open ended)
Rent increases limited to once per year under a formal process
Ban on rental bidding and limits on rent in advance
Stronger anti-discrimination protections for families and benefit recipients
Tenants gain a right to request pets, with landlords required to respond within 28 days
Updated Section 8 possession grounds introduced

By 31 May 2026

Landlords must provide all tenants with:
- the Governments mandatory information sheet
- a written statement of tenancy terms (for verbal agreements)

By 31 July 2026

Final date for possession claims using old Section 21 notices

Later changes

Private Rented Sector Database - Landlords must register their properties and pay an annual fee (late 2026)
PRS Ombudsman - Independent dispute resolution service, mandatory membership by 2028
Decent Homes Standard - Extended to private rentals (expected 2035-2037)
Energy Efficiency - EPC raised from E to C anticipated by 2030
Awaab's Law - Principles to be applied to private rentals enforcing timely repairs for hazards

Some dates remain subject to secondary legislation

Government guidance

The Government have shared clear advice for people who rent homes, landlords and letting agents. They have also made a plan for when the new renters rights rules will start. You can find the link to this plan below, along with more details about the Act.

If you are a member of Cornwall Responsible Landlord Scheme (CRLS) you will have received the easy to understand guides. They explain each of the new rules and how they work in real life.

Join or find out more about the Cornwall Responsible Landlord SchemeIf you rent a home and want to learn more about the Renters Rights Act and how it might affect you, please contact the Private Sector Housing team. You can email the team at psh@cornwall.gov.uk.