The Renters' Rights Act and Leicester landlords and tenants

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is the biggest change to private renting in England for decades. It’s being brought into force in stages, and exactly which rules apply to a tenancy depends on dates. Treat this page as an overview and check the current position before acting.

The main changes

• No more section 21. Landlords can no longer end a tenancy without a reason. Possession has to be based on one of the grounds in the Housing Act 1988, several of which have been changed or added (for example where the landlord wants to sell or move in).
• Periodic tenancies. Most assured shorthold tenancies become periodic assured tenancies. Tenants can leave by giving notice.
• Rent increases. Increases generally follow a formal procedure no more than once a year, with the tenant able to challenge the amount.
• Other changes. Rules on rent in advance, pets, discrimination against tenants with children or on benefits, a new ombudsman and a private rented sector database for landlords, with more duties to follow.

For Leicester landlords

Review your tenancy agreements and processes, check deposit protection and prescribed information are in order, and make sure any licensing that applies (for HMOs, and any additional or selective licensing schemes run by Leicester City Council or the district councils) is in place. Procedural mistakes will still be the main reason possession claims fail.

For tenants

If you receive a notice, don’t assume it’s valid and don’t simply leave. Check the date and grounds, and get advice. Free help is available from Shelter and Citizens Advice, and legal aid may be available if you’re at risk of losing your home.

Getting it right

The transition rules are where most mistakes will be made. A short consultation before serving a notice, changing rent or granting a new tenancy is cheap compared with a failed possession claim or a penalty.

Common questions