These changes apply to most private rented homes.

Key Changes

• Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions abolished: Landlords can no longer evict tenants without giving a valid reason
• All tenancies become open-ended (Assured Periodic Tenancies). This means:
  • no more fixed-term contracts
  • tenants can stay as long as they want
  • tenants can leave with 2 months’ notice
• Landlords must have a valid reason to evict (for example selling the property, anti-social behaviour, serious rent arrears)
• Landlords must give at least 2 months’ notice using the updated Section 13 process.
• Rent is now limited to an advance of 1 month
• Landlords must consider pet requests within 28 days and give a valid reason if refusing
• Stronger enforcement for councils. This means:
  • larger civil penalties
  • expanded Rent Repayment Orders
  • new powers to inspect and access information

Landlords/agents cannot:

• ask tenants to offer above the advertised rent
• accept higher offers
• refuse or discourage tenants because they have children or receive benefits.

New investigatory powers take effect 27 December 2025.

PRS Database

A national registration system for all private landlords.

Landlords must provide:

• contact details
• property details (address, type, number of occupants, etc.)
• safety certificates (Gas, Electric, EPC)

Public access will follow once registration is live.

PRS Landlord Ombudsman

A new dispute-resolution service to settle issues without going to court.

Please note that:

• membership will be mandatory for all landlords
• expected full rollout is in 2028
• ombudsman will be chosen 12–18 months earlier

The government plans to require all privately rented homes to meet a modern Decent Homes Standard for the first time.

Possible requirements include:

• minimum energy standards (EPC C by 2030, subject to final decision)
• clear legal deadlines for fixing serious hazards (Awaab’s Law)

Timeline to be confirmed after consultation.