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Renters' Rights Act Guide
Our comprehensive guide provides a clear, accessible overview of the Renters' Rights Act, covering every major reform and its practical implications for landlords and tenants.
The Renters’ Rights Act is now law marking a major shift in England’s rental landscape. We’re here to help you understand what’s changed and ensure you stay compliant and confident in this new era of renting.
Everything you need to know!
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now law – the biggest shake-up of the private rental sector in a generation. But what does it really mean for landlords and tenants?
Ocean Lettings’ directors, Jon and Scott, cut through the headlines to explain the facts. With decades of experience in the property market, they break down the Act’s major reforms, including:
- End of ‘no-fault’ evictions – Section 21 notices will be abolished.
- Move to periodic tenancies – Fixed-term tenancies will be replaced by open-ended agreements.
- Fairer rent rules – Increases limited to once a year, with proper notice.
- Ban on rental bidding wars and discrimination – No more asking for offers above advertised rent or refusing tenants with children or benefits.
- Pets allowed (within reason) – Landlords must consider requests and give valid reasons if refusing.
When?
Section 21 Notice
A new era for renting in England
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a new tenancy system designed to deliver fairness, stability, and clarity for both tenants and landlords.
The Act abolishes Section 21, ending ‘no-fault’ evictions that left tenants vulnerable to sudden upheaval and discouraged them from challenging poor conditions. In its place comes open-ended periodic tenancies, giving renters the confidence to put down roots and speak up when things go wrong - while ensuring landlords retain clear, strengthened grounds for possession under Section 8 when there is a legitimate need.
This isn’t just a policy change; it’s a cultural shift. Renting is no longer a stopgap - it’s a secure, modern way of living.
Evictions and possession
Periodic tenancies
Gone are rigid six or twelve-month contracts. In their place, a rolling month-to-month arrangement that gives tenants the freedom to move without penalty -and landlords a clearer, fairer framework for managing their properties.
What does this mean in practice?
- Tenants can leave with proper notice, without being locked into fixed terms.
- Landlords retain the ability to regain possession for legitimate reasons, under new rules that replace Section 21.
- Both sides benefit from a simpler, more transparent system.
This change is set to reshape the rental landscape for years to come making renting more secure, fair, and adaptable.
Contracts and agreements
Rent rises with rules
Section 13 reform brings fairness to the forefront
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces structure and transparency to rent increases. At the heart of this is the reform of Section 13 - the legal process for proposing rent changes in periodic tenancies.
Under the new law:
- All rent increases must follow the statutory Section 13 process, ensuring changes are predictable and justifiable.
- Tenants receive clear notice and have the right to challenge unfair increases through a tribunal, creating a fairer balance between affordability and accountability.
This isn’t just a procedural tweak - it’s a step toward a more balanced rental market, where fairness is built into the framework.
Section 13
Cats and Dogs, and other pets too
The Renters’ Rights Act opens the door to pet-friendly tenancies. Tenants now have the right to request a pet, and landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse.
To balance interests, landlords may require pet insurance to cover potential damage - bringing peace of mind without blanket bans.
This reform recognises pets as part of the family, not a luxury. It’s a thoughtful, balanced step toward a more compassionate rental market.
Renting with pets
Other important changes
We hope this article was useful, look out for further updates from our Lettings Directors soon.
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