The Renters Right’s Act has been anticipated for a few years, but the implementation is finally here. The Renters Right’s Act 2025 – Its coming on the 1st May 2026
What is the Renters Rights Act?
There has been a lot of talk about the Renters Right’s Act but what actually is it? At its core, the Renters Right’s Act looks to improve the “long overdue” legislations for those who rent, primarily giving renters more security and peace of mind.
“Millions of people in England live day in, day out with the knowledge that they and their families could be uprooted from their home with little notice and minimal justification, and a significant minority of them are forced to live in substandard properties for fear that a complaint would lead to an instant retaliatory eviction.” – Government website
Overview of the Renters Right’s Act measures:
Abolish section 21 evictions – put simply, Landlords will no longer be able to evict a tenant without giving a legal reason. Possession must rely on specific statutory grounds, such as selling the property, moving back in, or serious rent arrears.
Ensure possession grounds are fair to both parties – The legal grounds for possession are being restructured to ensure fairness. Tenants gain greater security, but landlords still retain the right to recover their property where there is a valid and evidenced reason.
Provide stronger protections against backdoor eviction – Tenants will be able to challenge rent increases that appear excessive or designed to force them out. Rent reviews must follow the formal legal process and reflect genuine market value.
Introduce a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman – All landlords will be required to join a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman scheme. This gives tenants access to a formal, impartial complaints process with binding decisions.
Create a Private Rented Sector Database – A new Private Rented Sector database will require landlords to register their properties and demonstrate compliance. Registration may be necessary to rely on certain possession grounds.
Give tenants strengthened rights to request a pet in the property – Tenants will have a legal right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords must consider requests reasonably and cannot refuse without proper justification. Insurance to cover potential damage may be required.
Apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector – The Decent Homes Standard will apply to the private rented sector, meaning properties must meet defined standards for safety, repair and overall condition.
Apply ‘Awaab’s Law’ to the sector – The Act extends Awaab’s Law to private rentals. Landlords will be legally required to investigate and resolve serious issues such as damp and mould within set timeframes.
Discrimination in Lettings Becomes Illegal – Blanket policies such as “No DSS” or “No Children” will be unlawful. Applications must be assessed fairly and individually.
End the practice of rental bidding – Landlords and agents must advertise a clear asking rent. It will be illegal to invite or accept offers above that figure.
Strengthen local authority enforcement – Councils will be given increased powers to investigate breaches, issue higher financial penalties and report enforcement activity.
Strengthen rent repayment – Rent Repayment Orders are being strengthened. In certain cases, landlords who significantly breach regulations may be required to repay rent, with higher penalties for repeat offences.
What does the Renters Right’s Act mean for Landlords with Ferndown Estates?
While this news of the Renters Right’s Act is welcome for renters, Landlords are left worrying if renting is worthwhile. The short answer is yes.
The Renters Right’s Act isn’t being implemented to penalise good landlords, in fact things shouldn’t change too much.
The Act raises compliance expectations across the private rented sector, but for landlords who already operate professionally and maintain their properties properly, the fundamentals of property investment remain unchanged.
Greater emphasis on correct process
With Section 21 abolished, possession will rely solely on statutory grounds using Section 8. This means correct notices, accurate timelines and properly documented evidence will be essential if possession is required. For our managed landlords, structured tenancy management and compliant documentation are already standard practice, significantly reducing risk under the new framework.
More formal rent review procedures
Rent increases will be limited to once per year and must follow the statutory process. Tenants will have the right to challenge increases if they appear excessive. At Ferndown Estates, we already conduct evidence-based rent reviews in line with local market conditions, ensuring increases are justified, transparent and defensible.
Higher property standards and quicker response times
The extension of the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector, alongside the application of Awaab’s Law, means landlords must respond promptly to serious hazards such as damp and mould. For our managed properties, maintenance issues are logged, monitored and actioned efficiently, protecting both tenant wellbeing and your legal position.
Mandatory registration and Ombudsman membership
Landlords will need to register on the new Private Rented Sector database and join the compulsory Ombudsman scheme. We will guide our landlords through these requirements to ensure compliance is straightforward and fully completed ahead of enforcement deadlines.
Clearer advertising and fairer application processes
The ban on rental bidding means a single asking rent must be advertised, and accepting offers above that figure will be unlawful. In addition, blanket restrictions against tenants receiving benefits or families with children will not be permitted. These measures align with the transparent, professional approach we already adopt.
The bigger picture for Ferndown landlords
The Act does not remove your rights as a landlord. You can still sell your property, move back into it, recover possession where legitimate grounds exist, and increase rents in line with market value. What changes is the emphasis on structure, compliance and record-keeping.
This is where professional management becomes essential.
At Ferndown Estates, our fully managed service ensures:
- Tenancy documentation is legally compliant
- Rent reviews are evidence-based and properly served
- Maintenance is tracked, logged and actioned promptly
- Communication is documented
- Deadlines and statutory requirements are monitored
- Your ability to regain possession, where legitimate, is protected
- Rent and legal protection for landlords
- Enhanced deposit protection
- Experienced property management professionals
- Enhanced check in check out
- Thorough and professionally compliant property inspections
The Renters’ Rights Act increases accountability across the sector. For landlords who want to protect their time, reduce risk and safeguard their investment, a fully managed approach provides structure, security and clarity.
If you are currently self-managing or using a let-only service, now is the time to review whether that structure still protects you under the new framework. The cost of non-compliance will always outweigh the cost of professional management.
Don’t wait until May 2026 to review your position. Act now.
📞 Call us on 0121 770 5666
🔍 Or request your review here: https://www.ferndownestates.com/valuation
🔍 Or request your review here: https://www.ferndownestates.com/request-a-valuation/
