The Renters’ Rights Act has received Royal Assent and is set to become law in spring 2026. The new law will fundamentally change the private rental sector.
As well as the much-heralded removal of section 21, i.e. the no-fault notice procedure, the new legislation will also make significant changes to the grounds on which landlords can recover possession. It will also reform the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords. The legislation will have retrospective effect, which means that it will apply to new and existing tenancies.
This hub area hosts articles and other insights on the nuances of the legislation, produced by our expert team of property disputes lawyers.
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces significant changes to the private rental sector, and understanding its provisions is essential for landlords, agents, and tenants. Key changes include the abolition of fixed-term tenancies, updated rules on rent increases, tenants’ rights around pets, children, and benefits, and the introduction of the Private Rented Sector Database and the Landlord Ombudsman Service.
Our detailed article, published shortly after the Act received Royal Assent, explains these changes and outlines what stakeholders need to do to prepare for the new legal framework.
Read our top takeaways
With this revolutionary bill set to become law in the coming months, our property disputes team hosted an introductory webinar to provide an overview of the legislation and consider whether there are any steps that agents and landlords should be taking now. Our experts pay particular attention to the changes around serving section 21 notices to recover possession.
Click on the play icon on the right to watch the webinar.
In June and July, we hosted three roundtables with landlords, letting agents and other stakeholders in the private rented sector to discuss the Renters’ Rights Bill. These sessions explored the key provisions of the legislation and, importantly, the practical challenges it poses for those operating in the sector.
In the article below, we summarise the key takeaways from these discussions and examine the main issues that were raised, including the abolition of fixed-term tenancies, new restrictions on pre-tenancy payments, and the introduction of an implied right for tenants to request pets. We also set out practical steps landlords and agents should consider now to ensure they are prepared.
Read our key takeaways
James Hemsley
Partner and Head of Property Disputes
+44(0)1752 526038 j.hemsley@ashfords.co.uk View more
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