Renters' Rights Act 2025

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now law. It significantly amends and updates existing legislation to transform the private rented sector, including Housing Act 1988, Tenants Fees Act 2019 and Housing Act 2004. These changes will apply to new and existing tenancies. Note that whenever landlords are referenced in this information it is also referring to letting agents, managing agents, or anyone acting on the landlord's behalf.

Reforms to the private rented sector in England are bringing in new rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants.

The first phase of reforms will be introduced on 1 May 2026 with a new tenancy system, including an end to Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, alongside measures to end rental bidding, rental discrimination and rent in advance.

On 1 May 2026 most Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will convert into Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs) which means that certain clauses in existing tenancy agreements will become invalid:

Fixed term clauses, contractual rent review clauses, break clauses, blanket pet bans, rent periods exceeding one month.

Stay informed and up-to-date on the tenancy reforms

Information for Landlords

Landlords will be required by law to give tenants written information about the terms of their tenancy:

For tenancies that started before 1 May 2026 you won’t need to change or re-issue any existing written tenancy agreements. Instead, all you’ll need to do is send your tenants a government produced The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 information sheet before 31 May 2026.
If your current tenancy is based entirely on a verbal agreement, you’ll need to give your tenant a written record of the specific terms of the agreement. You’ll have to give this to your tenants in writing on or before 31 May 2026 instead of providing the information sheet. View guidance on the information you’ll need to provide
For tenancies that start on or after 1 May 2026 you’ll need to provide your tenants with certain information about the tenancy in writing. You could do this in a tenancy agreement. To help you prepare your tenancy agreement in advance and see what must be included, view guidance on written information for your tenant - GOV.UK.
Familiarise yourself with the new tenancy forms required for taking possession of your property and for rent increases. These forms will be published, along with guidance, before the first phase of reforms are introduced on 1 May 2026.

If you don't comply:

If landlords don’t comply, you may have to pay a financial penalty of up to £7,000 or £40,000 (depending on the nature of the non-compliance) imposed or prosecuted by North Devon Council and be liable to pay an unlimited fine. You may also have a Rent Repayment Order made against you if you commit certain offences, requiring you to pay up to two years’ rent to your tenant or North Devon Council.