"With the new legislation in place, some agreements may not reflect the updated rules, so it's important to check for clauses around fixed terms and notice periods."
- Natalie Peacock - Rogers and Norton
The Renters' Rights Act came into force today, introducing sweeping changes to how tenancies are managed and challenged across the private rented sector. Renters are being urged to review their rights promptly to avoid being caught out by the reforms.
Natalie Peacock, a housing law expert at Rogers and Norton, said the changes are long overdue. "For years, there have been issues across the private rental sector, with landlords feeling restricted and tenants facing insecurity, poor housing standards and difficulty challenging unfair treatment," she said. "The Renters' Rights Act is designed to create a fairer and more balanced system for everyone involved."
Abolition of no-fault evictions
One of the most significant changes is the removal of Section 21 no-fault evictions, meaning landlords can no longer ask tenants to leave without a valid reason. Peacock described the change as transformative for renters.
"At the moment, tenants can do everything right and still be forced to leave with just two months' notice," she said. "I regularly see renters caught off guard, suddenly having to find somewhere new, cover unexpected moving costs and, in some cases, relocate away from work or their children's schools."
She added that the effects reach beyond individual households. "This also places pressure on local authorities, as many tenants who lose their homes end up seeking support from councils. Removing no-fault evictions not only protects renters but could also help relieve pressure on social housing."
Limited grounds for possession
Alongside scrapping Section 21, the Act introduces clearer, limited grounds for possession, covering situations such as selling the property, moving back in, rent arrears or anti-social behaviour. "This should give renters greater confidence that they won't be forced out without good reason," Peacock said.
She was careful to flag areas where tenants should remain vigilant, however. "Some grounds, such as landlords selling or moving back in, may raise concerns about misuse. But the key difference is that renters will have longer notice periods and the ability to challenge notices if they believe they're not genuine."
Limits on rent increases
The legislation restricts rent increases to once per year and gives tenants the right to challenge rises they consider unreasonable. Peacock called it a meaningful step forward on affordability. "Landlords will need to ensure any increases are fair and justifiable, rather than pricing tenants out without scrutiny," she explained.
Improvements to housing standards
The Act also strengthens protections for renters living in poor conditions, including safeguards against retaliatory eviction when repair issues are raised. "I've worked with tenants who are afraid to report serious repair issues because they worry about eviction or rent increases," Peacock said. "These reforms should give renters the confidence to speak up, knowing they are better protected when challenging poor standards."
What renters should do now
Peacock outlined two practical steps for tenants. First, review your tenancy agreement carefully. "In a competitive market, it's easy to rush into signing an agreement, but that's where disputes often arise," she said. "With the new legislation in place, some agreements may not reflect the updated rules, so it's important to check for clauses around fixed terms and notice periods."
Second, keep clear records of rent payments. "With no-fault evictions being removed, landlords may rely more on rent arrears as a route to possession," she noted. "Having proper records and receipts can help protect tenants if any disagreements arise."
She also addressed a common misconception about the scope of the reforms. "The Act doesn't mean landlords can't evict tenants at all. It simply ensures there must be a valid reason, rather than leaving renters living under constant threat of eviction."
