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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