Something that everyone who works in real estate, owns properties or rents has been talking about is the impending implication of the Renters’ Rights Act. After receiving royal assent, it is now law and will be enforced next year.
At Lyons Estates, we manage a selection of properties, and we have been surprised at just how many tenants are unfamiliar with their new rental rights.
The introduction of the act signals huge changes in the rental market, which both renters and landlords should be aware of. It is essential for renters to understand their new rights, and this guide outlines them under the Renters’ Rights Act.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is a new UK law that gives private renters in England more security and rights. It stops no-fault evictions under Section 21, makes all leases periodic monthly agreements, bans blanket pet bans, prohibits rent bidding, and sets stricter rules for property conditions such as damp and mould. It also requires landlords to be registered, offering greater protection and security for tenants.
When Do These Changes Take Effect?
You should expect to see the changes outlined in The Renters’ Right Act from May 1st 2026. This gives landlords and tenants time to prepare for the major changes scheduled for implementation and ensures both parties have a full understanding of their rights.
Some of the new rights tenants now have under the Renters’ Rights Act include:
The End of No-Fault Evictions
One of the most notable changes implemented by the Renters’ Rights Act is the end of no-fault evictions. From May 2026, landlords will be officially banned from using the Section 21 notice, which previously allowed them to evict tenants without a valid reason.
Landlords are now required to use valid grounds to evict, which provides greater protection for tenants, who no longer have to worry about falling victim to short notice, unreasonable evictions.
As property managers, we know how significant this new rule is in providing the security many tenants do not feel they have.
New Tenancy Structure: Say Goodbye to Fixed Terms
Most rental properties operate on a fixed-term tenancy, where a tenant commits to a set period. Under new legislation, tenancies will now be open-ended, rolling contracts that give tenants greater flexibility over their property, allowing them to end a tenancy more easily.
These new rolling tenancies automatically renew, so tenants do not need to manage ongoing contract renewals and enjoy the freedom of not being tied to an extended fixed-term contract.
Fair Rent Increases
An ongoing issue being faced by a lot of renters is rent increases, making it difficult to secure a property within the right area and budget. Though Liverpool still remains one of the cheaper cities in the UK to live, with plenty of areas perfect for renters, there has definitely been an increase in rental prices, making it difficult for locals to find great properties that don’t come with a hefty price tag.
Under new laws, landlords will now only be able to increase tenancy prices once every 12 months, and all increases should be made using a Section 13 notice. Landlords are also required to provide at least two months’ written notice before a rent increase, giving tenants more time to prepare and decide whether to continue their contract.
Any increases must also align with local market rates to protect tenants from unreasonable increases, which is especially important in cities such as Liverpool, where many locals are concerned about being priced out by newcomers.
Ban on Rental Bidding Wars
From May 1st, landlords and agents will be prohibited from asking for, or accepting offers above, the advertised rent price. This is being introduced to put an end to auction-style lettings, giving all renters a fair chance to acquire a property without bidding well above the advertised price.
Anti-Discrimination Protections
Once the act is enacted, landlords will no longer be able to discriminate against prospective tenants based on their familial status or receipt of benefits. If you have browsed for a rented property, you’ve likely come across notices such as ‘no DDS’, which means many people dependent on benefits have found it difficult to secure a property.
Under new rules, those seeking a rental property will have a far greater chance of securing one without worry of being turned down.
Your Right to Have Pets
Many of you might be excited about the end of pet bans in properties. Landlords are no longer permitted to impose blanket bans on pets, and tenants now have a statutory right to request permission to keep a pet. However, landlords may still refuse for valid reasons, such as the pet’s size or the property’s suitability.
Higher Standards for Rental Properties
Thanks to the planned introduction of the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law, landlords will now have a duty to ensure that their rental properties are safe, clean and up to living standards for their tenants.
Any item on the property that poses a serious health and safety hazard should be addressed within the specified timeframe to ensure everyone living on the property is properly protected.
New Protections and Support Systems
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants in England gain a range of new protections and support systems designed to improve security, fairness and transparency in the private rented sector.
These include stronger safeguards against no-fault evictions and unfair rent increases, with tenants able to challenge excessive rises before a tribunal; the creation of a Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman to provide a free, independent way to resolve disputes; and a national database of private landlords and properties to boost transparency and enforcement.
Find Your Next Home With Lyons Estates
We hope this guide has provided you with more information ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act’s implementation next year. As tenants, it’s essential that you know your rights going into 2026.
If you are looking to rent a property with landlords and property managers who will give you the support you need, you’re in the right place.
Get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help you.
