This government information sheet explains how the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which comes into force on 1 May 2026, changes the legal framework for private‑sector tenants with assured or assured shorthold tenancies. The Act automatically converts existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies into Assured Periodic Tenancies, abolishes rent‑review clauses and replaces them with a statutory rent‑increase process (section 13 of the Housing Act 1988) that limits increases to once per year, requires at least two months’ written notice on Form 4A, and caps the new rent at open‑market levels, with the possibility of tribunal challenge. Section 21 “no‑fault” evictions are eliminated; landlords must now rely on Section 8 grounds for possession, some of which are unavailable for the first 12 months of a tenancy. Tenants can end the tenancy at any time by giving at least two months’ written notice that aligns with a rent‑due date. Student tenants gain a statutory right to request keeping a pet, and landlords may only refuse unreasonably and must have given prior written notice of that ground by 31 May 2026. The sheet also notes the need for landlords to provide written tenancy information by 31 May 2026 if none exists, and directs readers to GOV.UK for detailed guidance and free legal advice.
Topics
Abolition of Assured Shorthold Tenancies – Automatic Shift to Assured Periodic Tenancies
Explains that on 1 May 2026 all existing Assured Shorthold Tenancies will be renamed Assured Periodic Tenancies, with no effect on the continuity of the tenancy.
Statutory Rent‑Increase Process – Section 13, Form 4A, Annual Cap and Tribunal Challenge
Details the new rent‑increase regime: rent can only be raised once per year, must be no higher than open‑market rent, requires at least two months’ written notice using Form 4A, and can be contested at the First‑tier Tribunal.
End of Section 21 ‘No‑Fault’ Evictions – Shift to Section 8 Grounds with First‑Year Restrictions
Describes the removal of Section 21 notices, the requirement for landlords to use Section 8 possession grounds, and the specific grounds that cannot be used in the first 12 months (sale or landlord/family move‑in).
Tenant‑Initiated Termination – Two‑Month Written Notice Aligned with Rent Due Date
Outlines the tenant’s right to end the tenancy at any time by giving at least two months’ written notice that coincides with a rent‑due date, with the possibility of a shorter period if mutually agreed.
Student Pet‑Keeping Right – Unreasonable Refusal Prohibited and Prior Notice Requirement
Provides the new entitlement for student tenants to request keeping a pet, the landlord’s duty not to unreasonably refuse, the need for written notice of reliance on this ground by 31 May 2026, and the specific notice window for academic‑year evictions.