The Renter Rights Act 2025
The Renters Rights Act 2025 came into effect on the 1st May 2026, effectively changing the relationship between the Landlord and the Tenant. An experienced, mature and professional managing agent with attention to detail can effectively assist the landlord with managing this more demanding relationship.
Essentially the Act fundamentally alters how tenancies are created, managed and ended
Whether or not you agree with the aims and enactment of the Act, in order to avoid substantial financial penalties, you are, as the Landlord, required to view your relationship with the tenant as a professional business relationship and act accordingly.
Southpoint, as your professional managing agent, is here to assist you with that.
This is brief summary of the changes in procedure and practice brough about by the Act:
- The removal of section 21 as a simple ‘no fault’ means of removing a tenant with two months’ notice
- The replacement of the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement (AST) with the Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT). From the 1st May 2026 all tenancies will be on a monthly basis only with no fixed terms tenancies allowable.
- Possession of your property can only be means of a section 8 notice stating the relevant ground for possession under section 8. There are specific notice periods which must be adhered to.
- Rent can only be increased once a year using a section 13 notice, with increased notice periods.
- Agreed rents for a tenancy can only be at the advertised rent or lower. Rental bidding is disallowed.
- There are strengthened anti- discrimination measures to include discrimination against applicants receiving benefits or wishing to bring a pet into the premises, or who have children. Of course the property has to be suitable for children and/or pets
- There are new rules as to how both the Landlord and Tenant can terminate a tenancy
Further changes on the horizon:
- The launch of the Private Rented Sector Landlord Database
- The introduction of the Landlord Ombudsman
- The Decent Home Standard
- Awaabs Law
Adherence to compliance and regulations including immediate attention to tenant maintenance concern will be of paramount concern particularly as the Local Authority has expanded powers to impose substantial fines, even on the first offence. Instances of mould and damp will require very early attention.
Note of caution – all relevant parties, be the landlord, tenant, managing agent, local authority are moving forward based on guidance and legislation from government, none of which has been tested by case law which will be the final arbiter in very case.
Call on 020 8761 1828 / 07922 422478
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