Today is the day your rights change: New Renters’ Rights rules now in force for tenants across England
Today marks a major change for tenants across England as the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 comes into force, significantly strengthening rights and changing how renting works in practice.
From today, the long-standing system of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions ends, meaning tenants can no longer be removed without a specific legal reason. Instead, landlords must rely on clearly defined grounds if they wish to regain possession of a property.
These changes are designed to give tenants greater security in their homes, clearer protections, and a more transparent rental system.
End of ‘no-fault’ evictions
One of the biggest changes taking effect today is the removal of Section 21 evictions.
This means:
- Tenants can no longer be evicted without a legal reason
- Landlords must now justify any possession action under specific grounds
- All eviction cases must go through a formal legal process if disputed
This marks a significant shift towards longer-term security for renters.
More secure and structured tenancies
All new and existing tenancies now move into a system of rolling periodic agreements, replacing fixed-term contracts.
For tenants, this means:
- No fixed end date forcing you to move out
- Greater flexibility to stay in your home
- Evictions only possible through defined legal grounds
Rent arrears and eviction rules
Under the new system:
- Serious rent arrears (at least three months) are required for mandatory eviction
- A four-week notice period applies in rent arrears cases
- Lower-level arrears cases will be assessed by the courts based on circumstances
Tenants will still have the opportunity to present their case in court if possession is disputed.
Stronger protections for tenants
The new law also introduces:
- Clear limits on rent increases (once per year)
- A ban on rental bidding
- Stronger protections against discrimination in the rental process
These changes aim to create a fairer and more transparent rental market.
Why using a professional agent matters more than ever
With the rental system working to new rules, tenants are strongly encouraged to rent through a professional, Propertymark protected letting agent.
This provides reassurance that:
- Tenancies are set up correctly under the new law
- Deposits, notices and rent processes are handled properly
- Legal compliance standards are being met
- Tenants have access to trained, accountable professionals
In a more complex regulatory environment, professional standards are critical in ensuring consistency and fairness throughout the rental process.
What this means for tenants
From today, renting becomes more secure and more structured, with:
- No eviction without legal grounds
- Stronger rules around rent and tenancy changes
- Greater transparency in how landlords and agents operate
However, tenants should also understand that possession is still possible where legal grounds apply, particularly in cases such as serious arrears or anti-social behaviour.
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, comments:
“Today marks a significant step forward for tenants across England as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, bringing in a new era of protections and greater transparency in the private rented sector.
“The removal of Section 21 means tenants can no longer be evicted without a specific legal reason, which represents a major shift in security of tenure. At the same time, the new system places greater responsibility on landlords and agents to ensure every step of the process is evidence-based and fully compliant with the law.
“This is a complex transition for the sector, but professional, well-trained and qualified letting agents will play a vital role in making sure these changes work effectively in practice.”
Industry support continues
Propertymark continues to support agents as they implement the new legislative framework, helping ensure they remain compliant, informed, and confident in their responsibilities.
In turn, well-trained and qualified agents are best placed to guide their landlords effectively through these changes, ensuring that tenants benefit from consistently high standards of professionalism, transparency, and legal compliance across the rental sector.
The stronger the understanding within the agency sector, the better the experience and protection delivered to tenants under the new system.
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