renters bill Archives

28th October 2025

What the Renters’ Rights Act Means for Landlords

A New Legal Era in the Private Rental Sector.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, marking the most significant reform to rental law in England for a generation. Affecting over 11 million tenants and 2.3 million landlords, this landmark legislation aims to rebalance the landlord–tenant relationship and establish a fairer private rented sector.

At the heart of the Act is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions – a move that gives tenants greater security and strengthens legal protections. But it also places new responsibilities on landlords, including changes to tenancy structures, rent rules, pets, enforcement, and compliance obligations.

At Vyman Solicitors, our property team is already advising landlords on how to prepare for these changes – from redrafting tenancy agreements and reviewing repossession procedures, to meeting new compliance and registration requirements.

Key Changes Every Landlord Should Know

The End of Section 21 ‘No-Fault’ Evictions
Landlords can no longer terminate a tenancy without providing a legally valid reason. This change requires landlords to use strengthened Section 8 grounds for possession — such as rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, or intention to sell the property. Existing tenancy agreements should now be reviewed in light of these new rules.

Tenants’ Right to Request Pets
Tenants now have the legal right to request permission to keep a pet in the property. Landlords must respond reasonably and cannot refuse without a valid explanation. Landlords are able to request that tenants hold pet insurance to cover potential damage to the property, but blanket bans on pets are no longer acceptable.

Rental Bidding and Excessive Rent Increases Are Banned
Landlords must advertise a fixed rental price and cannot invite or accept offers above that price. The Act also gives tenants the right to challenge unreasonable rent increases that are intended to force them out. This significantly impacts how landlords set and review rent.

Introduction of a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
All landlords must now register with a new Ombudsman scheme, designed to handle tenant complaints. The Ombudsman can issue binding resolutions, including requiring landlords to apologise, carry out remedial work, or offer compensation.

Creation of a National Landlord Register
A new landlord database will help tenants verify landlord legitimacy while giving landlords a central platform to understand and demonstrate compliance. Registration will become mandatory, with further rollout details expected soon.

Extension of the Decent Homes Standard to the Private Sector
Private rented properties must now meet the Decent Homes Standard, ensuring that all homes are safe, warm, and free from major hazards. Properties that fall short could face penalties under the updated enforcement framework.

Application of Awaab’s Law
Named after the tragic case of Awaab Ishak, this law sets out clear legal timeframes for landlords to fix serious hazards like damp, mould, or structural issues. Private landlords must now meet the same requirements as social housing providers.

Anti-Discrimination Protections for Tenants
It is now illegal for landlords or letting agents to reject applicants solely because they have children or are in receipt of benefits. All rental decisions must be based on fair, non-discriminatory criteria.

Stronger Enforcement Powers for Local Authorities
Local councils now have increased powers to issue civil penalties, recover rent, investigate landlords, and publicly report on enforcement actions. Repeat offenders face tougher sanctions under the new regime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What happens to existing tenancies under the old system?
There will be a transition period, but all assured shorthold tenancies will eventually move to the new rolling periodic tenancy model. We recommend reviewing tenancy terms now to prepare for this shift.

Q: Can I still evict a tenant for non-payment of rent?
Yes — but only if there is sufficient unpaid rent (e.g. if rent is due weekly or fortnightly, then at least eight weeks’ rent would need to be unpaid). You must follow the correct legal process under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, with supporting evidence. Early legal advice is crucial.

Q: Will I have to register with the Ombudsman and landlord database?
Yes. Both schemes will be mandatory for all landlords. Further rollout guidance will be issued soon, and we’ll keep our clients informed.

Q: Can I still say no to pets?
Only if you have a valid reason, such as property suitability. If you refuse, you must explain why. In most cases, reasonable requests to keep pets must be accepted.

Q: How does this affect landlords with large portfolios?
Portfolio landlords will face higher compliance demands, particularly around property conditions, documentation, and registration. Our team offers scalable legal support tailored to your portfolio’s needs.

How Landlords Can Prepare Now

The best way to stay ahead of these changes is to act early. Start by reviewing all tenancy agreements, ensuring you understand the new repossession routes, and keeping an eye on the rollout of the Ombudsman and registration scheme.

You should also inspect properties to ensure they meet the Decent Homes Standard and are free from major hazards under Awaab’s Law. If you plan to raise rents or reclaim possession, consult a solicitor to avoid falling foul of the new protections.

Contact Vyman Solicitors

Whether you own a single property or manage a full portfolio, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will impact how you operate. Our team at Vyman Solicitors can guide you through every legal requirement, from compliance and contracts to dispute resolution and possession proceedings.

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About Vyman Solicitors

Located in North West London, Vyman Solicitors provides a comprehensive range of legal services, including Corporate & Commercial Property Law, Litigation, Residential and Conveyancing Law, Family Law, Private Client and Immigration. Known for its commitment to personalised client support and legal excellence, Vyman is a trusted partner for businesses and individuals alike.

Follow Vyman Solicitors on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

21st March 2025

The Renters’ Rights Bill 2025: What Every Landlord Needs to Know

Big changes are coming to the rental market. If you’re a landlord, the Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 could reshape how you manage your properties, from ending fixed-term tenancies to stricter eviction rules, when it comes into effect. Expected to become law later this year, it’s time to prepare now.

At Vyman Solicitors, we’re advising landlords on how to stay ahead and protect their investments. Here’s what you need to know.

Key Changes: What’s on the Horizon?

1. Fixed-Term Tenancies Are Gone

No more Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) – all tenancies will roll month-to-month.
Landlords must prove valid grounds to regain possession—selling, moving in, arrears, or antisocial behaviour.
Tenants can leave with two months’ notice, but landlords must wait a year before reclaiming a property (unless selling to another landlord).

2. No More ‘No-Fault’ Evictions

Section 21 evictions are history. Landlords must use Section 8 notices instead, meaning evictions will require court involvement, increasing delays and legal costs.

3. Rent Caps & Restrictions

Landlords must justify rent increases—tenants can challenge hikes through a tribunal.
Only one month’s rent can be taken upfront, limiting cash flow security.

4. New Landlord Database & Fines

Mandatory landlord registration—fail to comply and risk significant fines or criminal charges.
Local councils will enforce rules, with fines of up to £40,000 for repeat offences.

5. Student Rentals Face Major Disruptions

No more securing tenancies early—students can’t commit more than six months in advance, making planning harder.
Landlords may struggle to reclaim properties in time for new academic years.

6. Guarantor Protection After Tenant Death

Guarantors will no longer be liable for rent after a tenant dies.
Landlords may need to purchase rent guarantee insurance, increasing their operating costs.

What Does This Mean for Landlords?

With increased regulation, higher costs, and stricter tenant protections, many landlords may:

Sell properties, reducing supply and pushing up rental prices.
Struggle with drawn-out evictions, increasing financial risk.
Face heavy fines for non-compliance, making expert legal guidance essential.

Act Now: How Vyman Solicitors Can Help

With sweeping reforms on the horizon, the way you manage your rental properties is about to change—possibly forever. From the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions to tighter rent controls and penalties for non-compliance, failing to stay ahead of these changes could cost you more than just time.

At Vyman Solicitors, we help landlords safeguard their investments, understand their rights, and adapt to evolving regulations with expert legal guidance.

Book a consultation today and ensure your rental strategy is legally sound before the new laws take effect.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—act now: +44 (0)20 8427 9080

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The impact of the Renters’ Rights Bill 2025 may vary based on individual circumstances. We strongly recommend seeking professional legal advice before making any decisions regarding your rental properties.