The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 – obtaining vacant possession in a new age

This primarily applies in England only. It received the Royal Assent on October 27^th 2025, the changes to short tenancies will come into force on May 1st, 2026. It is the most important change to security of tenure and obtaining vacant possession in residential leases for a generation.

Topics covered include:

• Abolition of assured shorthold tenancies;
• Tenants notice periods;
• Changes to the grounds for possession;
• Student accommodation and HMO’s;
• Rental bidding wars;
• Transitional provision;
• Maximum duration of assured tenancies;
• Comparison with the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016; and
• Discrimination against keeping pets, benefits tenants and children.