Renters Right Act 2025

1. Abolition of Section 21 “No-Fault” Evictions

Section 21 is being removed, meaning landlords can no longer evict tenants without cause. All evictions must now follow a Section 8, which includes updated mandatory and discretionary grounds.

How Harry Charles helps:

We ensure landlords use the correct legal grounds and follow a fair, transparent eviction process, reducing the risk of disputes or penalties.

2. End of Fixed-Term Tenancies – Moving to Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs)

• All new and existing tenancies will become rolling contracts without a fixed end date.
• Tenants may end their tenancy with two months’ notice, offering flexibility to the tenant but its believed should increase longer-term stability for landlords.

How Harry Charles helps:

We manage periodic tenancies efficiently, reducing void periods and turnover whilst keeping both landlords and tenants informed.

3. Section 13 – Annual Rent Increases

The Act introduces Section 13, which governs how landlords can increase rent.

• Rent increases can only happen once every 12 months and must align with market rates.
• Landlords must provide notice of 2 months and follow the prescribed legal procedure.
• Tenants have the right to dispute an increase if it is deemed unfair.

What this means for landlords:

Section 13 ensures your rent is fair, competitive, and legally enforceable, preventing disputes while maintaining profitability.  

How Harry Charles helps:

• We carry out detailed market rent assessments to ensure your increases are fully justified.
• We prepare and serve Section 13 notices correctly, ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of tenant challenges.
• We advise on rent strategies that balance income growth with tenant satisfaction, so your property remains attractive and fully let.

4. Awaab’s Law Extension – Repairs and Hazards

Under Awaab’s Law, landlords must address hazards such as damp, mould, and other serious repair issues within strict timescales.

• Health and safety-related issues must be resolved promptly.
• Failure to comply can lead to fines, legal action, and damage to your property value.

What this means for landlords:

Proactive management of repairs not only keeps tenants safe and happy but also protects your investment and reputation.

How Harry Charles helps:

• With our managed package, we schedule regular inspections to identify hazards early. Giving guidance to tenants on how to prevent moisture in the property.
• We have close relationships with the local authorities to give guidance from environmental services to help resolve the issue quickly.
• We coordinate repairs with trusted contractors to ensure compliance where required.
• We provide guidance on prioritising maintenance to minimise risk, avoid penalties, and keep tenants satisfied.

5. Pets

The Act gives tenants the right to request pets, and landlords can only refuse for reasonable grounds.

• A blanket ban on pets is no longer permitted.
• Landlords must have a fair, documented policy outlining conditions for pet ownership.
• Refusals must be defensible if challenged by tenants.

What this means for landlords:

With a structured pet policy, landlords can allow tenants to have pets without risking property damage or legal disputes. Pets are increasingly seen as a factor that attracts responsible, long-term tenants.

How Harry Charles helps:

• We create practical, pet policies tailored to your property.
• We handle pet requests professionally, ensuring tenants are happy, while safeguarding your property.

6. Rental Bidding Ban, Anti-Discrimination, and Stronger Council Powers

• Rental bidding above advertised rent is prohibited.
• Blanket exclusions based on children, benefits, or other protected characteristics are illegal.
• Local authorities now have enhanced investigatory powers and higher penalties for non-compliance.

How Harry Charles helps:

We guide landlords on compliant pricing, fair tenant selection, and adherence to council enforcement expectations, protecting your business from fines and disputes.

Looking Ahead: 2026–2028

• Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database (late 2026): Landlords and properties will be registered for compliance visibility.
• PRS Landlord Ombudsman (2028): A new service offering dispute resolution and guidance.

How Harry Charles helps:

We track upcoming deadlines and ensure landlords are always prepared, giving peace of mind well before compliance becomes mandatory.