The Renters’ Rights Bill has achieved Royal Assent. This means the Bill has now entered into law, becoming the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. For now, previous legislation is in place. The Act has not yet ‘commenced’. We will keep our members updated to ensure that everyone has the information and tools required for a smooth transition.
We are awaiting the Government to release details of implementation dates. It is expected that periodic tenancies and the loss of Section 21 will come into force first.
The landlord ombudsman service and the landlord database is expected to be implemented later.
The Government have released a statement as follows;
”The Act introduces the biggest package of reforms to the private rented sector in England in nearly forty years – a landmark moment for the sector, and for all those who live and work in it.
Abolishing Section 21 ‘no-fault evictions’ will give tenants greater security and stability, meaning they can stay in their homes for longer and build lives in their communities. This legislation also breaks down barriers to renting, like rental bidding, rent in advance, and rental discrimination, that have prevented so many from accessing a home in the sector.
Landlords will benefit from robust possession grounds so they can take back their property when they need to. The sector will be modernised through innovative new services like the Private Rented Sector Database. Local councils, who are central to making sure the Act works, will have strong new enforcement powers to ensure the new laws deliver on the ground.
As we developed the Bill, contributions from people who live and work in the sector have been absolutely critical in strengthening the reforms and informing implementation plans. Whether you fed into the development of our new possession grounds or fed back on our GOV.UK guidance, we would like to thank you for all you have done to help reach this moment.
Government must ‘commence’ the Act in order for it to take effect, and so for now previous legislation remains in place. We will be in touch again as soon as possible with more information about when we plan to implement these changes.
If you work for a local council enforcement team, you should be aware that the new Investigatory Powers go live on Saturday 27 December 2025. You can access our new Investigatory Powers guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/investigatory-powers-guidance-for-renters-rights-act-2025
Thank you again for all your contributions to the Act. We will continue to keep you informed and work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition.
Ross McInnes and Stephanie Kvam
Deputy Directors, Private Rented Sector Division”
SWLA will be running training courses on the Renters’ Rights Act. Many dates will be released in line with demand, to give all members the opportunity to attend should they wish. The dates will be published on our website (Landlord Training Courses Archives – South West Landlords Association) and members will be advised by email.
We will keep everyone informed and will update our stationery/documentation in plenty of time.
You can read the full press release and overview of measures here;
Historic Renters’ Rights Act becomes law – GOV.UK