Renters Rights Act 2025 —
Complete Landlord Guide

All new tenancies must be periodic from the outset. No more 6-month or 12-month fixed terms. All existing fixed-term tenancies converted to periodic on 1 May 2026.

Must be provided to every tenant at or before the start of every new tenancy. Contains all prescribed terms. Fine up to £7,000 (escalating to £40,000) for failure to provide.

Must be delivered to all existing tenants. Explains their rights under the new regime. Receipt should be documented and signed.

No-fault eviction is gone for all tenancies in England from 1 May 2026. Every possession claim must use Section 8 on a statutory ground under Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988.

Ground 8 (mandatory rent arrears) now requires at least 3 months arrears at both the date of notice and the date of hearing. Previously 2 months.

Landlord or close family member wishing to occupy now requires prior notice in the Written Statement of Terms. Cannot be used without this prior notice.

New ground for landlords who intend to sell. Requires 4 months notice and prior notice in Written Statement. Cannot be used within first 12 months of tenancy.

Anti-social behaviour remains a discretionary ground with no minimum notice period. Still the fastest possession route where conduct is serious.

Rent can only be increased once every 12 months. No in-tenancy rent reviews more frequent than annual are permitted.

New prescribed Form 4A must be used for all rent increases on assured periodic tenancies. Old Section 13 notice format no longer valid.

Form 4A must give at least 2 months notice before the new rent takes effect. Must start on the first day of a tenancy period.

Tenant can challenge any proposed rent increase at the First-tier Tribunal before the increase date. Tribunal sets a market rent — which can be higher, the same or lower.

Tenants have a statutory right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords must respond in writing within 28 days.

Blanket no-pets clauses are no longer enforceable. Refusal must be justified on specific reasonable grounds relating to the property or tenancy.

Landlords can make consent conditional on the tenant obtaining pet damage insurance. This is the main protection mechanism replacing higher deposits.

The 5-week deposit cap remains in force. Landlords cannot charge a higher deposit for properties with pets — the pet insurance route is the only additional protection.

With Section 21 gone, every possession claim requires evidence of breach. Inspection reports, warning letters, arrears schedules and service records are now essential.

Deposit prescribed information, How to Rent guide and all pre-tenancy compliance obligations remain in force and must be served correctly.

Right to Rent checks remain mandatory before every tenancy. Penalty for non-compliance is up to £20,000 per illegal occupant.