The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents the most significant reform to the private rented sector since the Housing Act 1988. These changes will reshape how tenancies are structured, managed, and ended. At Huntleys, we’ve been preparing for these changes for some time. Our focus is simple: ensure full compliance, protect our clients, and keep everything as straightforward as possible.

Key Dates to Be Aware Of

• 1 May 2026 – Core provisions of the Renters’ Rights Act come into force for both new and existing tenancies
• 31 May 2026 – Deadline to provide required written information to tenants (where applicable)

The Main Changes

1. The End of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs)

All tenancies will transition to open-ended periodic agreements. There will no longer be fixed terms with a defined end date. Instead, tenancies will continue indefinitely until ended by either party in line with the law.

2. Section 21 Abolished

This represents a fundamental shift in how possession is handled. So-called “No-fault evictions” under Section 21 will no longer be permitted. Landlords will need to rely on specific legal grounds under Section 8 to regain possession. These include:

• Rent arrears
• Anti-social behaviour
• Breach of tenancy
• Intention to sell or move into the property (subject to conditions)                        

3. Fixed-Term Tenancies Removed

All tenancies will move to rolling agreements. This gives tenants more flexibility but also requires landlords to take a more structured and evidence-based approach to tenancy management.

4. Changes to Rent Increases

Rent increases will also be standardised. All increases must now be carried out using the Section 13 process. Landlords can only increase rent once per year and tenants will have the right to challenge increases via the First-tier Tribunal (FTT)

How Huntleys Is Ensuring Compliance

We are taking a proactive, structured approach to make the transition smooth for both landlords and tenants. We will be issuing all tenants, that we manage, with the official Government Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 on 1 May 2026, with full records of delivery retained to demonstrate compliance. We are also:

• Updating all tenancy documentation to reflect the new legislation
• Removing outdated clauses (such as fixed terms and rent review clauses)
• Ensuring all notices and procedures align with the updated legal framework
• Advising landlords on appropriate Section 8 grounds (where needed)
• Strengthening record-keeping to support any future possession claims
• Manage rent increases using the correct legal process
• Help minimise the risk of tenant disputes or tribunal challenges

We will continue to keep our clients updated as further guidance and secondary legislation is released. As always, our role is to simplify compliance and protect your position.

Our View

Whilst these changes represent a major shift, they also bring greater structure and consistency to the sector. We are confident that, with the right systems in place, landlords can and will continue to operate successfully and profitably. If you would like to discuss how the Renters’ Rights Act affects you and your property, feel free to get in touch with our team.