Glossary · UK
What is Renters' Rights Act?
Landmark reform of the private rented sector in England — including abolishing Section 21 'no-fault' evictions and introducing a mandatory landlord ombudsman — being brought into force in stages.
Full Definition
The Renters' Rights Act overhauls the regulation of private renting in England, replacing the previous government's stalled Renters (Reform) Bill. Its central reform is the abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, meaning landlords will only be able to end a tenancy using specific legal grounds (such as selling the property, moving in themselves, or serious rent arrears) rather than giving notice without a reason. Other key measures include converting most tenancies to periodic (rolling) agreements with no fixed term, a legally mandatory landlord redress scheme (ombudsman) so tenants can raise complaints without going to court, a new Private Rented Sector Database of landlords, restrictions on rent-in-advance demands, and a right for tenants to challenge above-market rent increases at a tribunal. Because the reforms are extensive, the government is commencing different provisions in stages rather than all at once, with implementation continuing through 2026 — landlords and tenants should check the current commencement status of specific provisions rather than assume the whole Act applies from a single date.