Tenant Rights Under the Renters' Rights Act
What the Renters Rights Act means for tenants — security of tenure, grounds your landlord can use, rent increase rules, the Decent Homes Standard, and what to do if your landlord tries to evict you unlawfully.
Tenant Rights Under the Renters' Rights Act
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is the most significant improvement to tenant protections in England for a generation.
The End of No-Fault Evictions
Section 21 "no-fault" evictions have been abolished. Your landlord can no longer serve a notice simply asking you to leave without giving a reason. All evictions now require a lawful ground. If your landlord asks you to leave informally, or serves a notice that claims to be a Section 21, that notice has no legal effect.
Security of Tenure
Fixed-term tenancies no longer exist for new tenancies. Your tenancy is now periodic by default. You cannot be forced to leave simply because a fixed term has expired.
The Decent Homes Standard
The Renters' Rights Act extends the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time. Local councils will have powers to enforce this.
What to Do If Your Landlord Tries to Evict You Unlawfully
Illegal eviction, including changing the locks, removing your belongings, or harassing you to leave, is a criminal offence as well as a civil wrong. Contact the police if you are locked out or threatened, contact your local council's housing enforcement team, and seek an emergency court order to be readmitted if you have been unlawfully excluded.
This article provides general legal information only. It is not formal legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client or barrister-client relationship. If you need advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified legal professional.
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This guide is for general information only. For advice tailored to your situation, instruct a Direct Access barrister.