Renters Rights Act 2025: What Property Professionals need to know

The Renters Rights Act 2025 is set to reshape the private rented sector, introducing the most wide-ranging changes seen for many years. Much of the public discussion has centred on the benefits for tenants, yet the day-to-day impact will be felt most keenly by landlords and property professionals. The first major changes take effect on 1 May 2026, with further systems expected to follow later that year once national processes are in place.

Many property professionals are already beginning to look more closely at how their tenancies are run, how records are stored and where potential vulnerabilities may lie across their stock. This shift is driving greater use of reliable property level insight, historic data and local signals, something many Nimbus users are already drawing on as they assess how these reforms could influence individual assets.

Here is an overview of the key measures and what they mean in practice.

End of Section 21 evictions

The removal of Section 21 will bring an end to no fault evictions. The government has indicated that the full switch to the new system will be tied to progress on court reform, but once enacted landlords will need to rely on Section 8 and demonstrate grounds such as arrears or breaches of the tenancy.

Good documentation will become essential. Clear tenancy agreements, records of communication and organised property histories will help reduce delays if action is required. Many landlords are already taking time to review properties where issues have arisen before. Having ownership details, planning history and comparable activity gathered in one place through Nimbus makes this kind of early assessment more straightforward. 

Shift to periodic tenancies

Fixed term contracts will be replaced with rolling monthly tenancies. Tenants will be able to leave with two months' notice, which may introduce more movement in certain areas.

This change is likely to influence how landlords think about turnover, voids and revenue planning. Markets with more transient populations may see more frequent changes in occupancy. To prepare, property professionals are using Nimbus to understand local supply, historic rental activity and seasonal patterns when refining their letting strategies.

Restrictions on rent increases

The Act will limit rent increases to once a year, with two months' notice required. Landlords will also be unable to take more than one month of rent in advance.

This will encourage a more measured approach to rent setting. Knowing how local comparables are performing and understanding where a property sits within its immediate market will become increasingly useful. Many rely on rental indicators and historic market data to support fair and evidence-based reviews.

Ban on discrimination against benefits recipients and families

It will become unlawful to refuse tenants purely because they receive benefits or have children.

Landlords may need to update their referencing criteria, advertising materials and internal procedures. In some cases, this could also prompt a fresh look at the likely demand for different properties. Understanding demographic patterns, neighbouring uses and local infrastructure can help shape more consistent and compliant approaches.

Pet requests to be considered reasonably

Landlords will be required to consider pet requests reasonably, rather than dismissing them automatically. Tenants must also obtain pet insurance to cover any damage.

This could influence assumptions about wear and tear and may prompt some to review their insurance arrangements. Being clear about a building’s age, construction type and general condition often helps property professionals take a practical, consistent position across their portfolios. Nimbus’ consolidated property information can offer both speed and clarity when setting internal guidelines.

Awaab’s Law, damp and mould response times

Awaab’s Law will introduce strict timeframes for addressing damp and mould hazards, although the exact deadlines will be confirmed separately.

Landlords with older or more complex stock may want to carry out early checks to identify units at higher risk of compliance issues. Reviewing EPC notes, historic planning applications and other condition indicators can help prioritise where investment or closer monitoring is required.

Private Rented Database and Ombudsman

Later in 2026, landlords will need to register their properties on a new national database. A dedicated ombudsman will also be established to support dispute resolution.

Both changes underline the importance of accurate records and well organised information. Larger or more dispersed portfolios will particularly benefit from ensuring that property details are up to date before registration begins. Consolidated data within Nimbus already supports many users in maintaining organised asset records.

Preparing for 2026

The Renters Rights Act 2025 signals a move towards clearer standards, closer oversight and more consistent tenancy management. Those who invest time now in reviewing their portfolios, strengthening their documentation and understanding the specific characteristics of each asset are likely to adapt more smoothly as the reforms come into effect.

Nimbus can support this by providing access to ownership information, planning histories, comparables and wider market context. Many professionals are already using these insights to inform decisions and plan for the operational changes that lie ahead.

With the new rules approaching, this is an opportune moment for professionals to reflect on how well their portfolios are documented, how decisions are informed and where potential risks may sit. If you are considering adjustments or looking for clearer insight into your assets, the Nimbus team can support you in preparing for the changes that will shape the sector from 2026 onwards.