The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is a landmark law in England, taking effect on May 1, 2026, aimed at strengthening tenant rights and reforming the private rented sector.
It abolishes “no-fault” (Section 21) evictions, eliminates fixed-term contracts in favour of rolling, periodic tenancies, and bans rental bidding wars.
Key features of the act include:
- End of “No-Fault” Evictions: Landlords cannot evict tenants without a valid, legal reason (e.g., selling or moving in).
- Rolling Tenancies: All tenancies will be periodic (month-to-month or week-to-week), allowing tenants to leave on their own terms.
- Rental Bidding Ban: Landlords and agents are prohibited from encouraging or accepting higher rent offers than advertised.
- Pets and Pets Rent: Tenants have the right to request a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse, though they can ask for insurance.
- Rent Increase Limits: Rents can only be increased once per year to market rate.
- Enhanced Standards: Introduction of a private rented sector database, a landlord Ombudsman service, and extension of Awaab’s Law for safer homes.
The reaction from landlords to the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is generally negative, with many expressing significant concern over increased risks and reduced control. While some professional landlords see it as an opportunity to “rise above the competition” by meeting higher standards, a large portion of the sector feels the changes are heavily balanced in favour of tenants.
Key Reasons for Landlord Concern
- Loss of Eviction Certainty: The abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions is a major pain point. Landlords must now use the Section 8 process, which requires proving a legal reason (like arrears or anti-social behaviour) in court—a process they fear will be slower and more expensive due to existing court backlogs.
- Reduced Financial Predictability: The shift to month-to-month periodic tenancies means tenants can leave at any time with two months’ notice. Landlords are worried about higher “void periods” (gaps between tenants) and losing the security of a guaranteed 6- or 12-month income.
- Increased Risk with Pets: Although landlords can now request tenants have insurance, a staggering 92% of landlords reportedly feel unhappy about the new rules that prevent them from blanketly refusing pets. They worry about property damage and the difficulty of recovering costs that exceed the standard deposit.
- Bidding and Rent Restrictions: Banning “rental bidding wars” and limiting rent increases to once per year via a formal process is seen by some as a form of “de facto rent control” that may discourage future investment in properties.
The “Landlord Exodus”
Surveys from organizations like the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and Rightmove suggest that these reforms, combined with higher interest rates and taxes, are pushing some landlords to sell their properties and exit the market.
- 39% of landlords in one survey were considering leaving the market within 12 months.
- 50% of landlords have reportedly postponed plans to expand their property portfolios.
Ahead of the new legislation taking effect, North Yorkshire Council is working closely with landlords to support them through the changes and minimise the need for enforcement.
A series of landlord forums will be held across North Yorkshire over the coming weeks, offering clear information and guidance on all aspects of the new legislation. The sessions will help landlords understand their new responsibilities and provide opportunities to network and share best practice.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said:
We value the contribution of our responsible landlords across North Yorkshire who provide affordable and quality homes to tenants.
This legislation – which introduces some of the most significant reforms that the private rental sector has seen for more than 30 years – is about striking a fair balance between renters and landlords.
We want the private rental system to be stable, safe, and easy to understand for everyone – and so it is important that both tenants and landlords are aware of the changes that are coming.
These forums are a great way for landlords to understand more about the legislation and what it means for them on a local level. I would encourage anyone interested to sign up and attend one of the sessions.
There are currently more than 11 million private renters and 2.3 million landlords in England. In North Yorkshire, about 19 per cent of occupied homes are privately rented, which equates to more than 50,000 properties.
The council is continuing to work closely with landlords across the county to ensure they are prepared for the changes. Four landlord forums will be held in April at locations across North Yorkshire.
- Tuesday, April 14, 4pm to 6.30pm at The Forum, Bullamoor Road, Northallerton, DL6 1LP
- Thursday, April 16, 4pm to 6.30pm at Scarborough Rugby Club, Scalby Road, Scarborough, YO13 0NL
- Monday, April 20, 4pm to 6.30pm at Selby Civic Centre, Doncaster Road, Selby, YO8 9FT
- Wednesday, April 22, 4pm to 6.30pm at Harrogate Civic Centre, Saint Luke’s Mount, Harrogate, HG1 2AE
It is hoped that tenants will benefit from greater security as a result of the new measures, which can empower them to challenge poor practice without fear of retaliatory eviction.
Landlords will also receive clearer, more robust grounds for possession when there is genuine need to take their property back.
The council is inviting landlords to reserve a place at any of the forums by registering online.
