Renters Rights Act 2025
Stevenage Borough Council welcomes the delivery of improvements to the Private Rented Sector (PRS) through the new Renters Rights Act.
The Act is primarily designed to enhance tenant security and housing standards in the private rented sector. It offers responsible landlords who provide good quality homes and a fair service to tenants a more straightforward and professionalised rental market, with clearer possession rules and dispute resolution.
The Renter’s Rights Act is soon to be implemented.
First phase on 1 May 2026
Section 21
Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions will be abolished. Landlords in the PRS will no longer be able to use section 21 notices to evict their tenants.
Tenancies
Most new and existing tenancies in the PRS will become Assured Periodic Tenancies. This means tenants will be able to stay in their property for as long as they want, or until a landlord serves a valid section 8 notice. Tenants will be able to end their tenancy by giving two months’ notice.
Details of what information landlords must provide in new tenancies created on or after 1 May 2026 will be set out in secondary legislation by March 2026.
Landlords with existing tenancies will need to provide tenants with a copy of the government published ‘Information Sheet’ on or before 31 May 2026. This document will inform tenants about the changes made by the Act.
Possession of properties
The reform makes possession grounds fairer for both parties. Landlords will only be able to evict tenants when they have a valid reason. Possession grounds will be extended to make it easier for landlords to evict tenants who commit anti-social behaviour, or who are in serious persistent rent arrears.
Rent increases
Rent increases will be limited to once per year. Landlords will have to follow the revised section 13 procedure and provide the tenant with a notice of at least 2 months before it is due to take effect.
Marketing properties
Rental bidding above the advertised rent and asking for rent in advance of signing a tenancy agreement is prohibited. Landlords and agents will also not be able to request more than 1 month’s rent in advance.
Discrimination
It will be illegal to discriminate against renters who have children or receive benefits.
Requests by tenants to keep a pet are required to be considered within 28 days and a valid reason is needed if it is refused.
Further phases of the Act commence from late 2026
The PRS Database will go live to bring key information for landlords, tenants and Councils. Landlords must sign up to the database and there will be an annual fee, to be confirmed.
The information planned to be available will include the landlord’s contact details, the property details and its safety information such as gas, electric and energy performance.
Phase 2 of the Act will commence in 2028 with the establishment of the PRS Landlord Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will provide a redress service for PRS tenants when things go wrong. It will also support landlords with tools, guidance and training on handling complaints from tenants early. The Ombudsman scheme will be mandatory for PRS landlords. Landlords will fund the service with details to be confirmed nearer the time.
Other measures planned further ahead, subject to consultation, include implementation of Awaab’s law and a new Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector.
The council’s role
Local Authorities have been provided with powers for investigation under the Act commencing on 27 December 2025.
This means we can require information from a landlord, agent or someone who has acted with an interest in a rented property. It is advisable to keep records of all tenancy details and property maintenance and testing certificates so they can be produced if asked.
We can also require entry to premises and access deposit schemes and other third-party data for the purpose of investigation and enforcement of non-compliance with the Act.
Breaches of the Renter’s Rights Act can result in a civil penalty fine, which may be up to £7,000 for certain breaches. However, some offences and repeated breaches can result in prosecution or a financial penalty of up to £40,000.
It is important that landlords and letting agents familiarise themselves with the changes coming into force and the requirements of the Renters’ Rights Act. There is further Government guidance on the Act available for landlords which can be found at: Renting out your property: guidance for landlords and letting agents - Guidance - GOV.UK.
The government has also published the timetable for the implementation of the Act, which can be found at: Implementing the Renters' Rights Act 2025: Our roadmap for reforming the Private Rented Sector - GOV.UK.
Other resources and information surrounding the Act can be found online and at:
Tenants
Your rights as a private tenant will change on 1 May 2026. The above changes from the Act will provide greater protections from eviction, more flexible tenancy arrangements and fairer rent payment rules.
The new rights do not change for lodgers living with landlords, regulated and protected tenants and council tenants.
The council can provide advice and support if you have a complaint about your landlord or concerns about your tenancy. From 1 May 2026, if you believe your landlord has broken the renter’s rights laws we will be able to investigate this on your behalf and take appropriate action. Please contact the Environmental Health Team:
Email: env.health@stevenage.gov.uk
For further advice on the Act and other housing advice you can stay updated by visiting the Shelter website: