Renters’ Rights Act 2025: Key changes & Timelines

As the London lettings market continues to evolve, the introduction of the new Renters Rights Bill brings significant changes that every landlord in the city should understand. With over 4.6 million households now renting in England—and a strong rental demand in areas like Putney—these reforms are set to reshape landlord and tenant relationships. This guide provides a clear, practical overview of the Bill’s key changes, the phased implementation timeline, and actionable steps landlords can take to stay compliant in the competitive London property market.

Understanding the London Renters Rights Bill for Putney Landlords

The Renters Rights Bill brings one of the most thorough overhauls of lettings legislation in recent years, aiming to balance security for tenants with clarified responsibilities for landlords. For those with properties in Putney and across London, the Bill means updating tenancy agreements and adjusting to more robust legal requirements.

Key aims of the new bill include ending ‘no-fault’ evictions, making tenancies more flexible, setting clearer rules for rent changes, and ensuring better property management. With London’s rental sector seeing an all-time high of tenant demand in 2023, understanding these changes is essential for landlords to keep properties let and compliant.

Section 21 Abolition: What Putney Landlords Need to Know

One of the most significant updates is the end of Section 21, which previously allowed landlords to regain possession without providing a reason. This reform changes how landlords in London and Putney manage tenancies, creating a more transparent and fair process for tenants.

Under the new rules, evictions are only allowed for specific reasons, such as persistent rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or if the landlord intends to sell the property or move in themselves. Landlords must follow due process and maintain thorough records, making it essential to stay informed about legal requirements and best practices to avoid disputes.

Transition to Open-Ended Tenancies in Putney

With the introduction of open-ended tenancies, fixed-term contracts will largely be replaced by agreements that continue until either the tenant or landlord serves the correct notice. This gives tenants more stability in their homes and ensures landlords can plan for longer-term tenancy arrangements.

For landlords, this means updating tenancy documents and planning for a new style of property management. With fewer natural ‘end dates’ to work with, clear communication and a good relationship with tenants become even more important in minimising void periods and keeping rental income steady.

Rent Increase Restrictions Under the New Bill

The Renters Rights Bill caps rent increases to once per year, with stricter rules on how rises can be proposed and challenged. In London, where rents have risen by an average of 5% in the past year, this change is likely to impact how landlords review and update rents.

Landlords must now provide at least two months’ written notice before implementing a rent increase. Tenants will also have the right to challenge increases they believe are unfair, using an independent tribunal. For landlords, this highlights the need for careful documentation and fair, market-based rent reviews.

New Notice Periods and Their Impact on Landlords

The new legislation extends notice periods in many cases, offering more security to tenants and reducing the risk of sudden displacement. Standard notice periods for most evictions will be lengthened, except in situations involving serious breaches such as criminal behaviour or significant arrears.

This change requires landlords to adopt a more proactive approach to tenancy management. Early communication with tenants around issues, regular inspections, and timely action on rent arrears or property upkeep will be key to avoiding drawn-out legal processes and ensuring smooth transitions between tenants.

Tenant Rights to Keep Pets in Putney Rentals

A notable part of the Bill grants tenants more rights to request pets in their homes, reflecting changing attitudes across the UK towards animal companionship. Landlords can only refuse pet requests on reasonable grounds—for example, if the property is unsuitable or restrictions apply.

For landlords, this may involve revisiting lease terms, updating insurance for potential pet damage, and considering reasonable pet-related clauses. Given that nearly half of UK households now own a pet, allowing them can open up your property to a larger pool of tenants and help reduce voids.

Enhanced Property Maintenance Responsibilities

The new law places more clear-cut duties on landlords to keep their properties in a good state of repair. Regular inspections, prompt responses to repair requests, and maintaining up-to-date safety certificates are now more important than ever.

Failure to meet these standards could result in penalties or make it harder to regain possession of a property. With London tenants increasingly choosing properties based on management quality, upholding these standards will help attract and keep reliable tenants.

Stronger Protections Against Unfair Eviction

The Bill further closes loopholes that previously allowed for unfair evictions, strengthening legal protection for tenants facing retaliatory or groundless eviction. Landlords will need to ensure they always follow proper procedures and are able to evidence any claims made for ending a tenancy.

This means thorough record-keeping, clear documentation of tenancy breaches, and transparent communication at every stage. Landlords who follow best practice should benefit from fewer disputes and a smoother lettings process.

Key Dates and Implementation Timeline Explained

There will be a staged approach to implementing the Renters Rights Bill across London:

Phase 1 (from 1 May 2026): Fixed-term contracts end. All private rented tenancies become rolling (periodic). “No-fault” evictions via Section 21 Housing Act 1988 are abolished. Landlords must use specified legal grounds (e.g. under Section 8) to seek possession. Rent increases are limited to once per year. Landlords must consider reasonable requests for pets. New protections for tenants (e.g. against unfair practices) come into force. Local councils get stronger inspection and enforcement powers. 

Phase 2 (from late 2026): A new central registry — the Private Rented Sector Database — will launch. All private landlords must register and supply property and safety data. A new PRS Landlord Ombudsman will be established to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants outside courts. 

Phase 3 (date to be confirmed): A modernised Decent Homes Standard will be extended to private rentals. Also, Awaab’s Law-style protections will apply, giving tenants legal rights to demand timely fixes for serious health or safety hazards. The detailed timing will be set after consultation.

Landlords should stay alert to government updates and plan for each phase, as non-compliance can lead to fines or difficulties regaining possession of properties.

Compliance Tips for Putney Landlords Under the New Law

To remain compliant in the changing London lettings landscape, landlords should:

• Review and update all tenancy agreements to reflect open-ended tenancies and pet allowances
• Implement a transparent, fair rent increase process with required written notice
• Keep thorough records of communication and property management
• Schedule regular property inspections and respond promptly to repair requests
• Stay informed of all legal changes and implementation phases

Proactively adapting to these changes will help Build trust with tenants, minimise vacancies, and protect your investment.

For tailored guidance on adapting to the Renters Rights Bill and ensuring your Putney property remains compliant, contact Chartwell Residential today. Our team is here to support you through every stage of these important changes.