The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force in England on 1 May 2025, bringing significant changes for landlords. If you have not yet prepared, there is still time to take action and ensure your property and paperwork are compliant.
Here is a straightforward five-point plan to help you get on track quickly and avoid unnecessary risk.
1. Do you need to use Section 21?
If you are considering regaining possession of a property using Section 21, you need to act now.
Once the Renters’ Rights Act is in place, Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions will no longer be available. After April, landlords must rely on Section 8 and provide valid legal grounds for possession.
This change makes it more important than ever to review your current tenancies and decide whether action is required.
2. Is your rent set at the right level?
It is important to ensure your rent reflects current market conditions.
Under the new rules, rent increases will be limited to once per year using the Section 13 process, with a minimum of two months’ notice. This makes accurate pricing at the outset even more important, as flexibility will be reduced.
3. Issue the correct information
Landlords must provide tenants with the official renters rights act information guide.
This needs to be issued to all tenants before the deadline. It can be sent by email or post, but you must keep clear evidence that it has been delivered.
Failing to provide the correct documentation could affect your ability to take future action if needed.
4. Check all compliance documents
Now is the time to ensure everything is up to date and in order.
This includes:
- Gas safety certificate
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Deposit protection
- Any required licensing
There is no flexibility here. Missing or expired documents could lead to serious issues under the new legislation.
5. Inspect and maintain your property
A well-maintained property is essential under the Renters’ Rights Act.
Address any repairs or maintenance issues now, rather than waiting. Properties that are in good condition are easier to manage, reduce disputes, and help ensure compliance with evolving standards.
What you do not need to do yet
Some elements of the legislation are not yet in force.
The landlord database and ombudsman scheme are still to be introduced, so no immediate action is required on these points.
Preparing for change
The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act represents a shift in how rental properties are managed. For landlords, preparation and organisation will be key.
Taking action now will help avoid complications later and ensure your property remains compliant, competitive and well-managed.
We understand this is a challenging time for landlords. If you need advice or support, we are here to guide you through every step.
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