Renters Reform Bill vs Renters' Rights Act: What Landlords Need to Know
The Renters Reform Bill became the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Understand your new duties as a landlord with our comprehensive explainer guide.
5 January 2026 · 5 min read · Ploxit Team
The Renters Reform Bill is Now the Renters' Rights Act 2025
If you're a landlord searching for information about the "Renters Reform Bill", you're looking for what's now officially called the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This landmark legislation received Royal Assent in 2025 and introduces significant changes for private landlords and letting agents across England.
The confusion between these names is understandable – the Bill was discussed in Parliament for years before becoming law. But regardless of what you call it, the practical impact remains the same: new duties for landlords, with compliance required by 31 May 2026.
Key Changes Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025
The Act fundamentally reshapes the private rental sector. Here are the most significant changes affecting landlords:
Abolition of Section 21 'No-Fault' Evictions
The most headline-grabbing change is the end of Section 21 notices. Landlords can no longer evict tenants without providing a specific reason. Instead, you'll need to use Section 8 notices with valid grounds such as:
- Rent arrears
- Anti-social behaviour
- Breach of tenancy terms
- Landlord needing to sell the property
- Landlord or family member needing to move in
Periodic Tenancies Become the Standard
Fixed-term tenancies are largely abolished for new agreements. Most tenancies will now be periodic (rolling monthly or weekly), giving tenants more flexibility whilst maintaining landlords' ability to end tenancies for legitimate reasons.
Enhanced Tenant Rights and Protections
Tenants gain stronger rights including:
- The right to request pets (landlords cannot unreasonably refuse)
- Protection from discriminatory practices
- Easier processes for challenging rent increases
- Stronger protections against retaliatory evictions
New Landlord Information Duties
Perhaps most immediately relevant for compliance is the new requirement to provide tenants with official government information about their rights. This isn't just a one-off obligation – landlords must ensure tenants receive, understand, and acknowledge receipt of the official GOV.UK Information Sheet 2026.
"The Act requires landlords to provide comprehensive information to tenants about their rights and how to access support services, with robust record-keeping to demonstrate compliance."
Understanding Your Information Duties
The information requirements under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 go beyond simply handing over a leaflet. You must:
- Provide the official information: Use only the GOV.UK Information Sheet 2026, not summaries or third-party guides
- Ensure receipt: Confirm tenants have actually received the information
- Obtain acknowledgement: Get confirmation that tenants understand their rights
- Maintain records: Keep defensible proof of compliance for potential enforcement checks
When Information Must Be Provided
The information must be shared:
- At the start of new tenancies
- When existing tenancies transition under the new rules
- Following any significant changes to tenant rights or local support services
- Upon reasonable request from tenants
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to meet information duties can result in:
- Financial penalties from local authorities
- Restrictions on your ability to serve certain notices
- Potential impacts on possession proceedings
- Reputational damage and tenant disputes
The Compliance Challenge for Landlords
Many landlords underestimate the administrative burden of the new information duties. Simply emailing a PDF isn't sufficient – you need to demonstrate that information was delivered, received, and understood.
This is where technology becomes essential. Manual processes quickly become unmanageable, especially for landlords with multiple properties or letting agents managing large portfolios.
Ploxit addresses exactly this challenge by automating the delivery of the official GOV.UK Information Sheet 2026, tracking when tenants open emails, and maintaining the audit logs you need for compliance.
Preparing for the 31 May 2026 Deadline
With the compliance deadline approaching, now is the time to prepare your processes. Waiting until the last minute risks:
- Rushed implementations that miss important details
- Overwhelmed systems if you're managing multiple properties
- Potential non-compliance penalties
- Stressed tenant relationships
Practical Steps to Take Now
- Audit your current processes: Review how you currently communicate with tenants
- Understand the official requirements: Familiarise yourself with the GOV.UK Information Sheet 2026
- Plan your communication strategy: Decide how you'll deliver information and track compliance
- Consider automation tools: Evaluate solutions like Ploxit that can streamline compliance
- Train your team: Ensure anyone managing tenancies understands the new duties
Looking Beyond Compliance
Whilst the immediate focus is meeting legal requirements, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 also presents opportunities. Landlords who embrace transparency and communication often see:
- Improved tenant relationships
- Reduced dispute rates
- Better tenant retention
- Enhanced reputation in the market
The information duties, whilst initially appearing burdensome, can become part of a professional approach that differentiates your service.
Getting Compliance Right
The transition from the Renters Reform Bill to the Renters' Rights Act 2025 represents more than just a name change – it's a fundamental shift towards greater tenant protection and landlord accountability.
Success lies in understanding not just the letter of the law, but the practical steps needed for compliance. The information duties may seem straightforward, but the devil is in the detail of delivery, tracking, and record-keeping.
For landlords and letting agents seeking a streamlined approach to compliance, Ploxit provides the automation and audit trails needed to meet the 31 May 2026 deadline with confidence.
This article provides general information about the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and should not be considered legal advice. Landlords should consult with qualified legal professionals for specific guidance on compliance obligations.