Renters' Rights
The Renter’s Act was introduced into UK Law in October 2025. On this page, you can read about the Act, what it means for both tenants and landlords, and our role as a council in implementing and enforcing the changes.
On this page
- About the Renters’ Rights Act
- What the changes mean for tenants
- What the changes mean for landlords
About the Renters’ Rights Act
The Renters Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes to the Private Rented Sector.
Under the legislation, councils have been given new duties and powers to investigate and enforce breaches of housing law, providing tenants with greater security, fairer treatment and improved housing standards whilst also providing a more structured and transparent framework for landlords.
The act is being implemented in three phases. The first phase came into effect from 1 May 2026, bringing key changes including:
- The end of Section 21 “no fault” evictions
- The end of fixed-term tenancies and the introduction of assured periodic tenancies
- New rent regulation and limits to rent increases
- Ban rental bidding and rent in advance
- Changes to possession grounds so they are fair for both landlords and tenants
- The banning of discrimination against renters who have children of receive benefits
- New requirements for landlords to consider requests for pets
- Greater enforcement options for councils
Phase 2 will involve the introduction of the Private Rented Sector Database, and the Private Rented Sector Landlords Ombudsman Service, both expected in late 2026. Phase 3 will involve the introduction of the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law into the private rented sector - this is currently expected in 2035.
What the changes mean for tenants
The Renters' Rights Act is designed to strengthen protections for people renting privately and help create a fairer, more secure private rented sector.
The changes include:
- Stronger protection from unlawful eviction and harassment
- New rules around tenancy arrangements and possession processes
- New protections against discrimination in the lettings process for households with children and people receiving benefits
- Greater transparency around rents, including restrictions on rental bidding
- Improved oversight of housing standards and property management
If you live in privately rented accommodation and are concerned about property conditions, unlawful eviction, harassment, or other housing issues, you can contact the council's Private Sector Housing Team for advice and support by emailing privatesectorhousing@winchester.gov.uk
We can investigate complaints and, where appropriate, take enforcement action against landlords or agents who fail to meet their legal responsibilities
More information for tenants is available on the Shelter website.
What the changes mean for landlords
Most landlords provide safe, well-managed homes and comply with their legal obligations. The Renters' Rights Act introduces new requirements, but it also provides greater clarity about what is expected from landlords and letting agents.
Under the new legislation, landlords must ensure that they comply with all relevant housing and tenancy laws, including new requirements introduced through the Renters' Rights Act.
The changes include:
- New tenancy-related requirements and reforms
- New rules around possession grounds and tenancy management
- Requirements to provide tenants with prescribed information
- Restrictions on discrimination against households with children and people in receipt of benefits
- New requirements relating to rent advertising and rent bidding practices
Landlords are expected to understand and comply with their legal obligations. Where breaches are identified, we may take formal enforcement action, including issuing notices, applying for rent repayment orders, or issuing civil penalties where legislation allows.
We will continue to work with landlords and agents to promote compliance and support good practice across the private rented sector.
More advice and guidance for landlords is available on the Gov.uk Housing Hub.
The council’s role
As a council, we have a legal duty to investigate and enforce certain housing and landlord legislation. The Renters' Rights Act places a statutory duty on councils to take action where breaches of landlord legislation are identified.
Our role includes:
- Investigating complaints about housing conditions and management issues in the private rented sector
- Investigating reports of unlawful eviction and harassment
- Inspecting properties where there are concerns about safety or housing standards
- Taking enforcement action where legal requirements are not met.
- Issuing civil penalties and other formal notices where appropriate.
- Considering applications for rent repayment orders in qualifying cases.
- Monitoring compliance with private rented sector regulation as new requirements are introduced.
Our approach is to act in a way that is consistent, transparent and proportionate, while helping to ensure that tenants live in safe, secure and well-managed homes and that responsible landlords can operate with confidence.