It is finally official; after years of amendments, alterations, deliberation, debate and arguments in the Commons, the Lords and the courts, the Renters’ Rights Bill has received Royal Assent.
This means that it is law as of 7:40 pm on the 27th October 2025, but there is a difference between this legal process completing and when what is now the Renters’ Rights Act will start to affect landlords and renters alike.
What it does mean is that there will be no further amendments to this particular piece of legislation and no more recourse for it to be rejected by either of the houses.
This means that landlords have to work within the new law or get in touch with a specialist estate agent to sell up.
Exactly which option is best for you will depend on your particular circumstances, and to explain why, here is what the Renters’ Rights Act changes right now, what it is set to change in the future, and your options as a landlord.
What Does The Renters’ Rights Act Change?
For the most part, the fundamental aspects of the Renters’ Rights Bill have remained largely unchanged, and many of the biggest and most controversial elements of the bill remain.
So-called “No-fault” Section 21 evictions have been abolished in favour of a new periodic system of tenancies with a different set of grounds for possession.
Above-market rents have been restricted due to tenants being able to appeal them, and a Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman will provide arbitration and dispute resolution for issues between landlords and tenants.
The Private Rented Sector Database is remaining, as is the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law, which for some landlords will mean very little change, whilst for others could require costly and disruptive upgrades and repairs.
Landlords will be required to allow pets unless they have a reasonable reason to refuse, something that proved particularly controversial as it was not included in line with a pet insurance or pet deposit requirement.
Finally, rental bidding is banned, and enforcement of legal requirements for landlords and rent repayment orders has been strengthened.
When Will All Of This Come Into Effect?
The exact timescale for these rules to come into effect and become legally binding is likely to be revealed at the end of the year, and there will be updates surrounding the entire process.
The letter of the law says that it is up to the Secretary of State to set the commencement date, which could theoretically mean that the Housing Minister could state that it comes into effect at any time, or they could choose to wait or announce that it starts up to a year in the future.
As some parts of the Act will be far easier to implement than others, it seems likely, albeit not guaranteed, that it will take effect closer to the middle of 2026 than the beginning.
There will need to be a clear, far-reaching set of communications to explain to landlords what it means and what their new responsibilities are.
Some parts of the Act will enter law far sooner, including the responsibilities of local authorities and the end of the assured shorthold tenancies (AST) trap, which are both set to be in force by 27th December 2025.
However, the rest of the elements of the law are still up in the air, with some parts, such as the implementation of the Decent Homes Standard for private rental properties, potentially being delayed until 2035.
