Introduction
The private rented sector in England is about to undergo its most significant transformation in decades. With the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 now passed into law, landlords and letting agents must prepare for sweeping changes that will affect how properties are let, managed, and reclaimed.
However, a recent nationwide landlord survey revealed a striking reality: more than half of landlords do not feel prepared for these reforms. Many report uncertainty, lack of guidance, and confusion about their future responsibilities.
In this blog, we explore the reasons behind this lack of readiness, break down what the Act introduces, and offer practical steps landlords can take right now to avoid compliance issues and financial risk.
What the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Does
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a range of reforms designed to strengthen tenants’ security and improve property standards. The most significant changes include:
1. Abolition of Section 21 “No-Fault” Evictions
Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason. All possession claims must use Section 8 grounds, which have been expanded and updated. Notice periods for many grounds will become longer.
2. End of Fixed-Term Assured Shorthold Tenancies
The traditional fixed-term model is being phased out. All new and transitioning tenancies will move to assured periodic tenancies, giving tenants greater flexibility and long-term security.
3. New Rent Increase Rules
Rent can only be increased once per year using the formal Section 13 procedure. Tenants will have a clear right to challenge increases at tribunal.
4. Tenant Rights to Keep Pets
Tenants will have an enhanced right to request a pet. Landlords must consider such requests reasonably and cannot reject them unfairly. Conditions such as pet-damage insurance may be permitted.
5. National Landlord Register and Redress Scheme
Every landlord must join a national database and a mandatory redress scheme. Failure to do so may result in financial penalties.
6. Stronger Property Standards
A new version of the Decent Homes Standard will apply to the private rented sector, including tighter rules around damp and mould.
7. Ban on Rental Bidding
Landlords and agents will not be allowed to invite or encourage offers above the advertised rent.
These reforms will be rolled out in phases, with major elements beginning in 2026.
Why So Many Landlords Feel Unprepared
Survey results show that 57% of landlords do not feel ready for the new legislation. The main reasons include:
1. Uncertainty About the Details
The scale of the reforms is large. Many landlords feel they haven’t received clear, practical guidance from official sources.
2. Complexity of the New Possession System
The removal of Section 21 means landlords must understand the revised Section 8 grounds — a significant learning curve.
3. Limited Communication From Letting Agents
Nearly half of surveyed landlords said their agent had not yet proactively explained how the Act will affect them.
4. Increased Administrative Burden
Requirements such as registration, record-keeping, and compliance tracking can feel overwhelming, especially for small landlords.
5. Concerns Over Business Viability
Some landlords believe increased regulation will reduce profit margins or complicate portfolio management.
Key Impacts Landlords Must Be Ready For
1. New Eviction and Possession Procedures
Possession timelines will become longer, and some grounds will have protected periods where landlords cannot act (e.g., selling the property or moving in).
2. Shift to Rolling Tenancies
Landlords must adapt their strategies for budgeting, void forecasting, and tenant turnover.
3. Stricter Rent-Increase Requirements
One annual increase only, with regulators expecting increases to be fair, predictable, and well-documented.
4. Higher Property Standards
Compliance with damp, mould, ventilation and hazard prevention rules will be scrutinised more strictly.
5. Administrative Obligations
Expect more paperwork, more record-keeping, and an ongoing need to prove compliance.
Nine Practical Steps Landlords Should Take Now
1. Review All Current Tenancy Agreements
Ensure they are ready to convert to compliant periodic formats. Update templates accordingly.
2. Update Your Possession Strategy
Train yourself or your team on the new Section 8 grounds. Build evidence-gathering procedures for arrears and anti-social behaviour.
3. Prepare for Rent-Review Compliance
Plan rent-increase schedules, ensure notices are correct, and keep market rent evidence on file.
4. Create or Review Your Pet Policy
Make decisions now on conditions, insurance requirements, and tenancy-agreement wording.
5. Strengthen Maintenance and Inspection Systems
Introduce a robust damp-mould response protocol and more frequent inspections.
6. Engage With Your Letting Agent
Ask for a written transition plan. If they don’t have one, consider whether they are equipped to guide you.
7. Prepare for Landlord Registration
Begin collecting all property and landlord records that will be required.
8. Review Your Business Model
Build new cost assumptions into your financial planning. Consider whether some properties may need refurbishment to meet new standards.
9. Plan Communication for Tenants
Clear communication reduces disputes, complaints, and tribunal challenges.
Conclusion
The Renters’ Rights Act will change the private rented sector dramatically, and the fact that most landlords feel unprepared is a sign that action is urgently needed. Those who take steps now — reviewing tenancies, updating compliance processes, and strengthening communication — will be best positioned to avoid disputes, minimise risk, and protect their investment.
NetRent has produced an in-depth five part analysis of the Renters’ Rights Act click here for more information
Disclaimer:
NetRent does not provide legal advice. This article represents our understanding of rental property law and is for informational purposes only.