7 April 2026
Renters Rights Bill 2025: What UK Tenants Need to Know
The Renters Rights Bill will transform renting in the UK. What changes for tenants? When does it take effect? A complete guide for international students.
What is the Renters Rights Bill?
The Renters Rights Bill is landmark legislation passing through the UK Parliament in 2025. It represents the biggest reform of private renting in England in decades. The Bill aims to give tenants more security, fairer rents, and better conditions. Most of its provisions will apply to all new and existing private tenancies once enacted.
Abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions
The most significant change is the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions. Currently, landlords can evict tenants without giving any reason using a Section 21 notice. Under the new law, landlords will only be able to evict tenants using specific grounds under Section 8, such as rent arrears exceeding 3 months, the landlord genuinely wishing to sell the property, or the landlord or close family member wishing to move in.
Limits on rent increases
Under the Bill, landlords will only be able to increase rent once per year, and only with proper notice. Tenants will have the right to challenge rent increases they consider above market rate at a Rent Tribunal. This is particularly important for international students who may be on fixed incomes and vulnerable to sudden rent hikes.
New grounds for eviction under Section 8
While Section 21 is being abolished, the grounds for eviction under Section 8 are being strengthened. New grounds include: the landlord or close family member moving into the property, the landlord selling the property, and the property being required for redevelopment. However, tenants cannot be evicted on these grounds within the first 12 months of a new tenancy.
Right to keep pets
The Bill introduces a new right for tenants to keep pets, subject to the landlord's reasonable consent. Landlords cannot simply refuse โ they must have a reasonable grounds for doing so. Landlords may require pet insurance to protect against damage.
Decent Homes Standard for private rentals
The Bill extends the Decent Homes Standard, previously only applicable to social housing, to private rented properties. This sets minimum standards for the physical condition of a rental property. Properties must be free from serious health and safety hazards, in a reasonable state of repair, and have reasonably modern facilities.
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