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As of 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has been fully enforced, introducing a revised legal framework for the private rented sector. Landlords will be expected to comply with all legislative changes or risk increased regulatory scrutiny, financial penalties and restrictions on regaining possession of their property.
One of the most significant reforms is the end of fixed term tenancies, including fixed term assured tenancies. These will transition into assured periodic tenancies, fundamentally changing how tenancies are structured and managed. This will affect both existing tenants and any existing tenancy agreements, as well as how landlords approach new tenancy agreements moving forward. The shift places greater emphasis on ongoing compliance, accurate documentation and the use of evidence-based grounds when seeking possession, rather than relying on fixed-term expiry.
In addition, the legislation introduces new rules governing tenancy management, eviction procedures and landlord obligations. These changes require a more procedural and compliant approach, with errors in process or documentation increasing the likelihood of delays, dismissed claims or enforcement action. As seen across existing legislation, failure to meet statutory requirements can already lead to financial penalties and legal complications.
AST Assistance’s Renters’ Rights Act compliance service for landlords in the UK is designed to support you through these changes. The service ensures you understand your obligations, implement the correct processes and remain fully compliant under the new legal framework, reducing risk and protecting your rental income.
To assess your current position and get prepared for the transition, contact AST Assistance on 01706 619954. Early action will help you avoid disruption and maintain control over your tenancies under the new regime.
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How we can help you complete compliant evictions
The removal of Section 21 and the increased reliance on Section 8 grounds mean that eviction procedures must now be handled with a higher level of accuracy and supporting evidence. Errors in process, documentation or timing can result in failed possession claims, delays and financial loss. AST Assistance provides structured, legally compliant support to ensure you can progress eviction matters correctly.
Section 21 (no fault eviction)
From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices can no longer be used to evict tenants. Any attempt to serve a new Section 21 notice after this date will be unlawful and may expose you to enforcement action.
If you have already served a valid Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, you may still be able to continue the possession process. However, this depends on strict compliance with all legal requirements at the time the notice was issued. Any defect in the notice, prescribed documents or procedure may invalidate the claim.
AST Assistance can:
- Review your existing Section 21 notice for compliance
- Confirm whether your claim can proceed under transitional arrangements
- Advise on the correct next steps to secure possession without delay
Section 8
Following the legislative changes, evictions will now rely on Section 8 and clearly defined possession grounds. This introduces a more evidential and procedural approach, requiring landlords to demonstrate valid reasons for possession in line with the statutory criteria.
Rent arrears will remain one of the primary grounds for eviction. However, the updated framework introduces stricter thresholds and longer notice periods, increasing the importance of accurate rent records and correct notice drafting.
AST Assistance supports landlords by:
- Identifying the most appropriate Section 8 grounds for your situation
- Preparing and serving a legally compliant notice
- Ensuring all supporting evidence is properly documented
- Managing the process through to possession proceedings if required
To avoid delays, rejected claims or financial loss, it is essential to act within the correct legal framework. Contact AST Assistance on 01706 619954 to ensure your eviction is handled compliantly from the outset.
Other services our landlord compliance service can help with
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords will face a broader set of obligations across different areas of tenancy management. Alongside existing duties, new requirements will affect how tenancies are managed in practice. AST Assistance provides support across the following areas:
Landlords must continue to meet repairing obligations, including maintaining the structure, installations and overall condition of the property. We provide guidance on managing repairs, responding to issues and maintaining appropriate records.
We support landlords in resolving disputes through structured mediation, helping to address issues efficiently and reduce the need for court proceedings.
Requests for reasonable adjustments must be handled appropriately. We advise on how to assess requests, respond within legal parameters and document decisions.
We assist with handling deposit disputes, supporting evidence for deductions and advising on the correct process where recovery of costs is required.
The move towards periodic tenancies increases the importance of clearly drafted agreements that reflect ongoing tenancy arrangements.
We advise on arranging and conducting inspections, including providing correct notice and maintaining records of property condition.
Under the new framework, tenants will have greater ability to request permission to keep pets. We assist in structuring agreements that set out clear conditions and protect your property.
For support across all aspects of tenancy compliance, contact AST Assistance on 01706 619954. Our team will assess your current position, identify any areas of risk and provide clear, practical guidance on how to align your tenancies with the latest legal requirements. Early engagement allows you to address issues before they escalate, helping you maintain control over your property and avoid unnecessary disruption.
What are some other rule changes under the Renters Rights Act?
The Renters Rights Act introduces a range of changes that impact how landlords advertise, let and manage their properties. While the reforms are designed to improve transparency and tenant protections, they also require landlords to take a more structured and compliant approach across the full tenancy lifecycle.
It is also important to be aware that failure to comply can result in financial penalties, with fines of up to £30,000 depending on the type of infraction. These are not necessarily one-off penalties, as fines can be issued per breach of the rules, increasing the potential financial risk for landlords who do not adapt their processes.
Key changes under the Renters Rights Act 2025
- Fixed asking rents required: landlords and agents must advertise a clear rental price and cannot accept offers above this amount, removing competitive rental bidding wars between tenants.
- Limits on upfront rent: advance payments are restricted, typically to one month, changing how tenancies are structured and assessed at the outset.
- Mandatory private rented sector ombudsman: landlords must engage with a formal dispute resolution scheme and register with the private rented sector database, increasing accountability and oversight of tenant complaints.
- Decent Homes Standard extended: all private rented properties must meet defined standards for safety, repair and overall living conditions.
- Ban on discrimination: landlords cannot refuse prospective tenants solely because they have children or receive benefits, requiring a more consistent and objective selection process.
- Stronger affordability and referencing requirements: with reduced reliance on upfront rent, landlords must carry out more thorough financial checks and due diligence.
- Rent increases limited: proposed rent increases are typically restricted to once per year and must be supported by evidence that they reflect current market rent rates.
These changes mean landlords must review and, in many cases, update their existing processes, from advertising and tenant selection through to property standards and rent reviews, to remain compliant and avoid potential disputes. AST Assistance can support you across all aspects of these changes, helping to ensure your processes, documentation and day-to-day management align with the new legal requirements, reducing risk and giving you confidence that your portfolio remains fully compliant.
How AST Assistance can support you
Adapting to these reforms can be complex, particularly where multiple changes affect different parts of your portfolio. AST Assistance works with landlords to simplify this transition and ensure full compliance.
Their support includes reviewing your current processes and updating them in line with the new legislation, from how you advertise rental properties through to how you assess tenant affordability. They can help you implement stronger referencing systems, ensuring you are making informed and compliant tenant selection decisions without relying on large upfront payments.
AST Assistance also prepares landlords for the introduction of the private landlord ombudsman by helping you establish clear documentation, complaint handling procedures and communication records. This ensures you are in a strong position should any disputes arise.
In addition, they provide guidance on meeting the Decent Homes Standard, helping you identify any gaps in property condition and advising on practical steps to bring your properties up to the required level.
With the right support, these changes can be managed efficiently, reducing risk while maintaining a professional and compliant rental operation.
AST Assistance supports landlords in adapting to these requirements, providing clear guidance on updating processes, reducing risk and maintaining full compliance under the new framework. To discuss how these changes affect your portfolio, contact AST Assistance on 01706 619954 or fill out our online enquiry form.
