Renters’ Rights Act Explained: What’s Changing & What It Means for Landlords

Key Changes for Landlords – Renters’ Rights Reform

Landlord

Posted in Mar 10 , 2026

End of Section 21 (“no-fault” evictions)
The reforms will remove the use of Section 21 eviction. Landlords will need to use valid legal grounds to regain possession of their property.

Strengthened possession grounds
Updated and expanded grounds will allow landlords to regain possession for reasons such as:

Selling the property
Moving into the property themselves or for family use
Tenant rent arrears or anti-social behaviour

All tenancies move to periodic agreements
Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies will be replaced with periodic tenancies, meaning tenants can give notice at any time (typically two months).

Private Rented Sector Database
Landlords may be required to register properties on a national database, providing key property and compliance information.

Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
A new mandatory ombudsman scheme will allow tenants to raise complaints about landlords without going to court.

Stronger rules on rent increases
Rent increases will normally be limited to once per year and must follow the formal legal process.

Pets in rented properties
Tenants will have the right to request permission for a pet. Landlords must consider requests and cannot unreasonably refuse.

Improved property standards
A new Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector is expected, requiring landlords to maintain properties in good condition and free from serious hazards.

Stronger enforcement powers for local councils
Local authorities will have increased powers to investigate and enforce housing standards.

Ban on discrimination against tenants with children or benefits
Landlords and agents may be restricted from blanket bans such as “No DSS” or “No families with children.”

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Key Changes for Landlords – Renters’ Rights Reform

End of Section 21 (“no-fault” evictions) The reforms will remove the use of Section 21 eviction. Landlords will need to use valid legal grounds to regain possession of their property. Strengthened possession grounds Updated and expanded grounds will allow landlords to regain possession for reasons such as: Selling the property Moving into the property themselves or for family use Tenant rent arrears or anti-social behaviour All tenancies move to periodic agreements Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies will be replaced with periodic tenancies, meaning tenants can give notice at any time (typically two months). Private Rented Sector Database Landlords may be required to register properties on a national database, providing key property and compliance information. Private Rented Sector Ombudsman A new mandatory ombudsman scheme will allow tenants to raise complaints about landlords without going to court. Stronger rules on rent increases Rent increases will normally be limited to once per year and must follow the formal legal process. Pets in rented properties Tenants will have the right to request permission for a pet. Landlords must consider requests and cannot unreasonably refuse. Improved property standards A new Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector is expected, requiring landlords to maintain properties in good condition and free from serious hazards. Stronger enforcement powers for local councils Local authorities will have increased powers to investigate and enforce housing standards. Ban on discrimination against tenants with children or benefits Landlords and agents may be restricted from blanket bans such as “No DSS” or “No families with children.”

New Written Statement Requirements: What Landlords Must Provide Under the Renters’ Rights Act

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 continues to reshape the private rental sector — and one of the less talked-about (but very important) changes is the introduction of a mandatory written statement of terms. Under new section 16D of the Housing Act 1988, private landlords must provide tenants with a prescribed written statement containing specific information before a tenancy begins. At Anderson Knight, we’re advising landlords to prepare now — because this is not optional paperwork. It will be a legal requirement.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued draft regulations setting out exactly what must be included in the written statement.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued draft regulations setting out exactly what must be included in the written statement. 1. Identity and Contact Information The full name(s) of the landlord(s) The full name(s) of all tenants An address in England or Wales where tenants can serve notices on the landlord The rented property address 2. Tenancy Start and Possession Terms The date on which the tenant is entitled to occupy the property The amount of rent and how often it’s due Any tenancy deposit amount (if applicable) 3. Rent and Payment Details Clear statement of rent payable and rent period A statement that future rent increases must follow Section 13 rules (i.e., formal notice must be served) Details of any other payments payable to the landlord (e.g., utilities or bills), whether included in rent or separate, and how amounts and due dates will be communicated if not fixed amounts yet known 4. Notice Periods The minimum notice period the tenant must give when ending the tenancy A statement explaining that generally the landlord can only recover possession through a court order, specifying that a prescribed notice must be served and that the ground relied on will affect the notice period 5. Statutory Duties and Safety The written statement must explain the landlord’s statutory obligations, including: Fitness for human habitation duties Repair and maintenance responsibilities Gas safety requirements and inspection obligations Electrical safety standards and inspection requirements 6. Other Key Tenant Rights The statement must also include: The tenant’s right to request disability-related adjustments, with a note that such requests should not be unreasonably refused The tenant’s right to request permission to keep a pet, with a duty on the landlord not to refuse unreasonably If relevant, a note that the tenancy is “supported accommodation” and why this classification applies For more information contact our team we are happy to help

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Key Changes for Landlords – Renters’ Rights Reform

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Key Changes for Landlords – Renters’ Rights Reform

New Written Statement Requirements: What Landlords Must Provide Under the Renters’ Rights Act

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued draft regulations setting out exactly what must be included in the written statement.