The Renters Rights Act is now law

The Renters’ Rights Act just sailed through Royal Assent yesterday. It's officially law now. But here's the good news: nothings changed yet. Likely not kicking in until sometime in early 2026.

Section 21 evictions? You can still serve them today. Once it hits, though, they're gone for good, swapped out for beefed-up Section 8 grounds. You'll have a three-month grace period post-start to file any lingering S21 court claims, but after that, it's Section 8.

Almost every tenancy in England flips to periodic (open-ended). No new paperwork needed for existing setups, just ongoing until someone gives notice. On the admin side, expect a bit of light lifting: within the first month, you'll need to hand over info leaflets on the new rules to current tenants.

Turning away families with kids or people on benefits? That's unlawful, from inquiries to viewings to signing on the dotted line (barring rare, reasonable exceptions, like a single HMO room not suiting a family). You can obviously still choose the best applicant but benefit applicants have to be given a chance.

Pets can't be unreasonably refused, and no extra deposit fees or pet insurance requirements either.

Bigger picture stuff like the landlord database, ombudsman service, and Decent Homes Standard? Those roll out later via follow-up regs, likely in 2027 or beyond.

Bottom line: this is the sector's biggest shake-up in ages, but the timeline is fuzzy.

NRLA members can find out more The Renters' Rights Act: Everything you need to know