Renters’ Rights Act
Renters Rights
The Renters’ Rights Act represents the most significant change to the private rented sector in our generation. The legislation is designed to strengthen tenant protections and raise standards across the industry, bringing with it new responsibilities for landlords.
This page acts as a live information hub, which we will continue to update as further details and timelines are confirmed.
What Has Changed
Some core elements of the Renters’ Rights Act are already confirmed. The most significant are:
End of Fixed-Term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs)
Tenancies have now moved to a fully periodic model, meaning there is no fixed end date. Tenants can leave at any time with the appropriate notice, while landlords can only regain possession using clearly defined legal grounds.
Abolition of Section 21
Section 21 has now been removed. Landlords are no longer able to end a tenancy without providing a valid reason. Instead, possession must be sought under the reformed and strengthened Section 8 grounds. These include circumstances such as the sale of the property, the landlord wishing to move back in, or in cases of serious tenant breaches. This marks a fundamental shift in how tenancies are managed and brought to an end.
Strengthened Section 8 Grounds
The revised Section 8 framework introduces expanded and clarified grounds for possession, giving landlords more defined routes to regain their property where there is a legitimate reason. However, the process is more structured, with greater emphasis on evidence and compliance.
Rent Increase Process
Rent increases will continue to follow a structured and transparent process, with increases typically limited to once per year. Any adjustment should reflect current market conditions, and tenants retain the right to seek independent review if they believe a proposed increase is unreasonable.
What Happens Next
While the core legal framework is now in place, further elements of the legislation, will be introduced in phases over the coming months, meaning the sector will continue to evolve.
The Renters’ Rights Act is expected to introduce:
- Stronger tenant protections
- Clearer and more structured possession grounds
- Increased expectations around compliance and property standards
- Greater emphasis on professional management and record-keeping
Professional property management is proactive, not reactive. That’s why we are already working behind the scenes to ensure our landlords are well prepared, long before the legislation formally comes into force.
We work with landlords who take a long-term, responsible approach to their investments, and many of the higher standards the legislation seeks to introduce already reflect how our portfolio is managed. We are continually monitoring developments closely and adapting our processes in line with emerging guidance.
What Is Still To Be Confirmed
Some details are still awaiting confirmation or to be fully introduced, including:
- Final commencement dates for all elements of the Act
- Transitional arrangements for existing tenancies
- Practical court procedures under the revised framework
- A new digital property portal with landlords required to register both themselves and their properties
A new ombudsman scheme, requiring all landlords to register
As soon as these points are clarified, this page will be updated.
What This Means For DOMVS Landlords
For landlords using our fully managed service, the Renters’ Rights Act should not be a cause for concern. Much of what the legislation seeks to introduce already aligns with how we manage property:
- Proactive tenancy oversight
- Clear documentation and compliance checks
- Consistent, professional communication with tenants
- Ongoing review of tenancy structures and procedures
We are actively refining our systems, documentation and workflows to ensure our managed landlords are compliant, protected and well prepared as the Act comes into force. In short, if we manage your property, you don’t need to worry, as we’re already preparing for you.
What This Means For Self-Managing Landlords
If you manage your own property, the Renters’ Rights Act may require careful review of your tenancy agreements, notice procedures and compliance obligations. This page can help you stay informed, but should you require tailored advice, we’ll be happy to help.
Staying up-to-Date
This page will be regularly updated as legislation develops with a focus on practical implications, as opposed to speculation and confirmed guidance as it becomes available.
We recommend bookmarking this page and checking back as the legislation progresses. In the meantime, if you would like to discuss how the Renters’ Rights Act might affect you, our lettings team can provide further guidance.
Landlord Guidance and Updates
Here’s DOMVS Associate Director of Lettings, Katie Starkey, to give a very brief overview of the Renters’ Rights changes.
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