The Renters’ Rights Act, the main changes of which take effect from May 1, will have several significant impacts on the private rented sector. However, one less obvious change is that tenants will likely become more vocal than ever before, with an improved ability to call out rogue landlords.
Or at least that’s the aim.
And it seems it might already be working. In its 2025 annual report, the Property Ombudsman reported a 58% surge in complaints over the last four months of the year. It described the spike as the Renters’ Rights effect, as tenants become more aware of their rights and their confidence to challenge poor practise improves.
Better protecting tenants
The government has designed the act to give tenants greater power and protection and to improve their ability to challenge rogue landlord behaviour. The most important changes to enable this include the end of Section 21 no-fault evictions and better controls on rent increases.
The end of Section 21
Under section 21, unscrupulous landlords could evict tenants without cause. That meant that if tenants were perceived to be difficult or demanding, or criticised landlord practises, they could find themselves evicted with the landlord not having to explain why.
And that meant that many tenants decided to keep quiet instead, rather than risk losing their homes.
Under the new process, a section 8 notice must be provided, and tenants must be given a legal reason, backed by evidence, for eviction. That means in future they will have more confidence to challenge landlords who aren’t acting fairly, rather than living in fear of eviction.
Fairer rents
Rent increases have also been used by a minority of landlords to force tenants out but from May 1, this process will also be rebalanced. Instead, landlords must serve a section 13 notice, with two months’ warning. The rent must be set to local market rates and evidenced. If a tenant does want to appeal against what they believe is an unfair rise, this can be done through the first-tier tribunal.
Calling out discrimination
Another change within the Renters’ Rights Act will be new anti-discrimination policies for potential tenants with children or who are on benefits. Tenants will also have the right to request a pet be fairly considered. Again, breaches of these rights can be challenged.
Future improvements to living standards
Further down the implementation line will be the introduction of new rules and standards for the condition of rented properties – particularly tackling serious hazards such as damp and mould – and energy efficiency. This will include extending Awaab’s Law to private rentals, a Decent Homes Standard for the sector and new energy efficiency minimum ratings.
A more confident tenant
The changes within the Renters’ Rights Act clearly benefit tenants – it’s evident in the title alone. And it will mean that they may become more vocal. But the changes benefit landlords, too. Driving out bad practice by rogue landlords is one of the main aims of the act, improving the sector’s reputation as a whole and allowing compliant landlords to shine. While tenants may have more of a voice than in the past, it will become a more balanced conversation between landlord and tenant which, in the longer term, could see trust and relationships in the sector improve further.
We Can Help
At Progressive Lets, we are experts in the rental market in the Peterborough area and help landlords find and manage properties within a 50-mile radius. Get in touch to find out more.
