What is the Renters’ Rights Act 2025?
Private landlords, letting agents and tenants have new rights and responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
The Act is being enforced in different stages, but most changes started on 1 May 2026.
This page has links to information for:
For more information about the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, please check the GOV.UK Housing Hub.
For private landlords and agents
Landlords’ guide to the Renters’ Rights Act 2025
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025) introduced a series of reforms for the private rented sector.
As a landlord or property agent, you need to know:
- what the law says
- your legal duties and responsibilities
- how the changes affect how you rent and manage property
Key changes from 1 May 2026
End of fixed-term tenancies: most ‘assured shorthold tenancies’ (ASTs) become ‘assured periodic tenancies’ (APTs). These are rolling tenancies without a fixed end date.
Eviction: ‘no fault’ evictions (Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988) are abolished. To evict a private tenant, you must give a legally valid reason or ‘ground for possession’.
New rules also include:
- how you are allowed to increase the rent
- changes to tenancy agreements
Stay informed
Keep up to date with official government guidance on the RRA 2025.
Further information for Enfield’s private landlords
Good practice, enforcement, and other information for private landlords.
For private tenants
You have new rights as a private tenant under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025).
For example (from 1 May 2026):
- most assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) will become assured periodic tenancies (APTs). These are rolling tenancies. APTs do not have a fixed end date.
- your landlord can only evict you if they give a legally valid reason (‘Section 8’ possession grounds)
For the full list of changes, please read the RRA 2025 private tenants’ guide (GOV.UK).
There is separate guidance for student tenancies.
Further advice for private tenants
- Full guide on private renting (GOV.UK)
- Answers to questions like ‘What will happen to my tenancy?’ (GOV.UK)
- How to challenge a rent increase (GOV.UK)
You can also:
- download RRA 2025 posters and leaflets for private tenants (Generation Rent)
- watch Shelter’s video and get further advice on the Renters’ Rights Act
If you think your landlord is not complying with the Renters’ Rights Act
- Start by checking the rules that apply to your tenancy. This will help you to understand your tenancy rights and what your landlord/agent must do.
- If necessary, report the problem to us
You can also get independent advice.
Housing advice and homelessness help
Are you worried about being evicted? For free anonymous advice, use our interactive housing advice tool.
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