Renters Reform Act 2025 – Part 2 Other Consequences of the Act; More Challenges for Landlords!

In our last article we mentioned the Abolition of Section 21 and the effect this will have on Landlords’ ability to terminate tenancies.  This article deals with other reforms in the Act.

1. Almost all fixed term tenancies will now become periodic, i.e. they will continue until terminated on one of the restricted grounds set out in the Act, e.g. sale of property; Landlord moving in; redevelopment; breach of tenancy e.g. rent arrears. This will come in to force on 1^st May 2026.
2. Landlords will need to register in a new Rental Properties Register.
3. Landlords will need to join an Ombudsman Scheme.
4. Tenants will be able to end tenancies at any time on two months’ notice. One quirk of the Act is that where there is a joint tenancy, any one of the tenants can serve notice terminating.  This is likely to cause difficulties for the remaining tenants if they do not wish to leave.
5. Rent increases will be limited to one per annum. These can be challenged by tenants with a possible referral to a tribunal – and there will be no backdating of increases to the date of service of the rent increase notice.
6. It will be unlawful for Landlords to accept offers above the rental advertised price.
7. Deposits – Landlords will only be able to take a maximum of 5 weeks rent as a deposit. This will be brought into force on 1^st May 2026.
8. Landlords will not be able to unreasonably refuse pets.
9. It will be unlawful to refuse to grant a tenancy to tenants who have children or tenants who are on benefit.
10. Decent home standard will apply; i.e. there will be minimum standards for the property. This will include state of repair and size of room etc – details awaited.
11. HMOs let to full time students – Landlords will be able to gain possession if notice is given before the tenancy starts, but that notice cannot be served until 6 months beforehand. That will cause problems for student Landlords who previously entered in to tenancies well in advance.
12. Terms of tenancies will need to be provided in a specified format.

Much detail relating to the above points is still awaited. Secondary legislation will be needed to bring many of the amendments in to affect, and the dates for implementation of most of the changes are not yet known.

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