Renters' Rights Act 2025: What Private Tenants Should Know
What the enacted reforms mean now, what remains subject to commencement, and the repair rights private tenants already have in England.
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For more on your legal rights, read our complete Guide to Awaab's Law.
Which Renters' Rights Act Changes Are in Force Now?
- Section 21 'no-fault' eviction abolished from 1 May 2026
- Assured periodic tenancies for most private renters
- Rent increases normally limited to once a year through the statutory process
- New rules on rent in advance, rental bidding, pets and discrimination
- Powers for future Awaab's Law requirements in private rented homes
- New Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector
- A Private Rented Sector Database and Landlord Ombudsman
Is Section 21 Still Legal in 2026?
A private landlord in England cannot serve a new Section 21 no-fault notice from 1 May 2026. Limited transitional arrangements applied to some notices served earlier. A landlord seeking possession now needs a valid statutory ground and must follow the possession process; obtain urgent advice about any notice or court papers.
Did Fixed-Term Private Tenancies End in 2026?
Most existing assured shorthold tenancies converted to assured periodic tenancies on 1 May 2026, and new assured tenancies are normally periodic. They run without a fixed end date, while tenants can normally leave by giving the required notice. Some accommodation and tenancy types are treated differently.
Can My Private Landlord Increase My Rent in 2026?
A landlord can normally propose a rent increase once a year using the statutory process. If the proposed rent exceeds the market rent, the tenant can apply to the First-tier Tribunal before it takes effect. A repair dispute does not itself cancel a valid increase.
Does Awaab's Law Apply to Private Renters in 2026?
The Act enables future Awaab's Law requirements for private landlords. The detailed duties and commencement date depend on further regulations and should not be assumed to mirror the current social-housing phase.
Private tenants already have repair and fitness protections, including relevant duties under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. Liability and compensation depend on notice, breach, causation, loss and evidence; they are not automatic.
When Will Private Renters Be Covered?
October 2025: Awaab's Law Phase 1 takes effect for social housing in England.
27 October 2025: The Renters' Rights Act received Royal Assent.
Phase 3 — date TBC: The Government roadmap schedules private-sector Awaab's Law and the Decent Homes Standard for a later phase.
Until then, private tenants can still pursue housing disrepair compensation claims under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
Private Tenants Already Have Repair Rights
Existing repair and fitness duties may provide legal options now. Eligibility, funding and possible deductions depend on the facts and written terms.
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