Renters’ Rights Act 2025: what London landlords must do now
Understand the headline reforms, transition timeline and practical steps to keep your portfolio compliant while protecting yields.
Five reforms every landlord should prepare for
Details are subject to final statutory instruments—always check gov.uk for the latest wording. We summarise the direction of travel below.
Assured shorthold tenancies replaced
The Act is set to convert most new tenancies into periodic agreements with enhanced tenant security. Landlords will rely on specific possession grounds rather than fixed-term expiries.
Section 21 abolition
Mandatory and discretionary grounds under an updated Section 8 framework will govern possession. Expect additional evidence requirements and longer tribunal timetables.
Private rented sector ombudsman
Membership of a single ombudsman will be compulsory for all landlords, enabling tenants to escalate complaints without court action.
Decent Homes Standard
Government is consulting on extending the Decent Homes Standard to private rentals. Proactive inspections for damp, ventilation and safety items will be essential.
Rent review restrictions
Rent increases will move to a single annual process requiring at least two months’ notice with the right for tenants to challenge ‘above market’ proposals.
Disclaimer: This summary is based on government briefings and draft guidance available as of November 2025. It does not constitute legal advice. Always consult the official legislation and seek professional counsel before taking action.
Five steps to keep your portfolio compliant
Use this checklist to organise documentation, communication and budgeting so you’re ready when commencement dates land.
1. Audit existing tenancy agreements
Identify tenancies likely to roll into the new regime in 2025/26. Flag break clauses, tenancy duration wording and any clauses that could be deemed unfair under the Act.
2. Update compliance timeline
Map the government’s staged commencement dates so you know when updated notice periods, redress scheme rules or new documentation become mandatory.
3. Refresh tenant communication templates
Prepare revised Section 21/Section 8 equivalents (or the new possession grounds) alongside updated welcome packs, rent review notices and arrears letters.
4. Budget for property standards
The Act is expected to tighten Decent Homes criteria. Plan capital expenditure for insulation, damp proofing or HMO upgrades now so works can be scheduled during natural voids.
5. Strengthen record keeping
Store certificates, maintenance logs, inspection notes and communication history in a central system. Demonstrable evidence protects you in redress or tribunal scenarios.
Rentals & Sales compliance programme
Our lettings team pairs legal updates with operational delivery so you can focus on strategy.
Live legislation tracker
Weekly digest summarising statutory updates, commencement orders and guidance—delivered to your inbox and stored in the landlord portal.
Tenancy documentation refresh
Updated tenancy agreements, rent review letters and notice templates prepared with our legal partners and ready for the new regime.
Portfolio risk audit
Property-by-property assessment covering deposit handling, maintenance backlog, arrears status and Decent Homes readiness with a clear remediation plan.
Need help interpreting the Act for your portfolio?
Book a compliance consultation and we’ll map out the impact on your tenancies, provide timeline reminders and build a tailored action plan.
Landlord questions about the Renters’ Rights Act
We continuously update these answers as the government confirms timelines and guidance.
When will the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 come into force?
The Act received Royal Assent in 2025. Secondary legislation will phase in changes through late 2025 and 2026. We monitor every statutory instrument and update clients as soon as commencement dates are confirmed.
What happens to existing fixed-term contracts?
Existing assured shorthold tenancies will transition to the new regime after a lead-in period (the government has signalled at least 12 months). We’ll review your portfolio and schedule renewals to keep you compliant.
How will possession work without Section 21?
Landlords will rely on revised mandatory and discretionary grounds—e.g. for sale, landlord move-in, repeated arrears or serious breaches. Documentation and evidence become critical; our legal partners manage the full process including updated notices.
Do I need to join a redress scheme?
Yes. Membership of the new private rented sector ombudsman will be compulsory. Rentals & Sales handles enrolment for managed landlords and ensures complaint responses meet the required standards and timelines.
Source: UK Government briefings on the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (gov.uk). This guide will be refreshed as secondary legislation is published.
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