The Renters’ Rights Act 2025<\/a> come into
\nforce, bringing with them the abolition of Section 21 “no
\nfault” evictions and re-shaping the landscape of renting as we
\nknow it. For landlords this is not just a policy tweak, it is a
\nfundamental reset in terms of how possession can be gained and how
\ntenancies will be navigated going forwards.<\/p>\nAll existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will
\nautomatically convert into Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs), these
\nare rolling, monthly agreements with no fixed term. All pre-agreed
\noptions to renew or break provisions are rendered invalid.<\/p>\n
The abolition of Section 21 “no fault” evictions marks
\na dramatic turning point in the rental world. It means that
\nlandlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy without being
\nable to qualify under one of the specific grounds stated in the new
\nlaw, which are listed below.<\/p>\n
Grounds for Possession and New Operational Challenges<\/p>\n
Landlords will still be able to reclaim their property when they
\ncan evidence one of those legitimate reasons under The Renters’
\nRights Act 2025, ensuring that genuine needs for possession remain
\nprotected, although all of these grounds have different notice
\nperiods and it remains to be seen how the system will work in
\npractice.<\/p>\n
Landlords are about to step into a much more heavily regulated
\nera of property management, which might be especially difficult
\nwhere a landlord’s plans change. For example, if you terminate
\na tenancy on the grounds of sale, but then due to market conditions
\ncan’t find a buyer, you are prevented from re-letting the
\nproperty for 12 months after expiry of the termination notice.<\/p>\n
Rent Increases, Pets and Tenant\u2011Focused Protections<\/p>\n
Rent increases under the new regime are also strictly
\ncontrolled. An annual increase may be proposed, but there is a
\nstatutory process to agree such increases, with formal notices and
\nevidence of market comparables required, and disagreements as to
\nthe increase to be settled via the First Tier Tribunal, and there
\nis some market concern that the Tribunal will become quickly
\noverwhelmed with cases, since the increase is not backdated in the
\nevent of a disagreement about the figure, so there’s every
\nincentive for a tenant to see the review clogged up in the system
\nfor as long as possible!<\/p>\n
Tenants will also benefit from provisions in The Renters’
\nRights Act 2025 allowing greater flexibility on whether they are
\npermitted to keep pets in the property, with very limited grounds
\non which a landlord may refuse a request to allow a pet (e.g. head
\nlease restrictions or severe allergies).<\/p>\n
The Act retains little of the old flexibility, it replaces it
\nwith a system that’s heavily tenant-focussed, and built to give
\ntenants clarity, confidence and control.<\/p>\n
If you are a landlord, below are some of the things that you
\nshould be doing in readiness for the impending changes:<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Review tenancy agreements<\/p>\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Fixed terms end automatically, and the tenancy continues month
\nto month with no end date. Tenants do not need to sign new
\nagreements. You should ensure clauses are clear, enforceable, and
\naligned with the new regime.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Learn new possession grounds<\/p>\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Section 21 abolished; Section 8 becomes primary route (see
\nbelow).<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Plan ahead for sales or family occupation<\/p>\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
If you anticipate needing possession for these reasons, consider
\ntiming and strategy now and take new notice periods into
\naccount.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Understand the new notice periods and evidential
\nrequirements<\/p>\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
These will differ from the current Section 21 process (see
\nbelow).<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Improve record\u2011keeping<\/p>\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
This will be important for evidencing possession claims.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Update internal processes<\/p>\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Letting agents and self\u2011managing landlords should refresh
\ntemplates, workflows, and communication practices.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Review rent increase procedures<\/p>\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Familiarise yourself with the new processes for review and
\nensure that you keep evidence of comparable rents where that’s
\navailable to you.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Monitor later phases<\/p>\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Phase 2 will be introduced in late 2026 and phase 3 will
\nfollow.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Below are some of the key grounds a landlord can rely on to
\nregain possession under Section 8:<\/p>\n
\nGround 1 – Landlord or close family moving in
<\/p>\n
\nGround 1A – Selling the property
<\/p>\n
\nGround 8 – Serious or persistent rent arrears
<\/p>\n
\nGround 12 – General Breach of Tenancy
<\/p>\n
\nGround 14 -Anti\u2011Social Behaviour
<\/p>\n
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
\nguide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
\nabout your specific circumstances.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Wrigleys Solicitors are most popular:
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