The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 - A Bit More Guidance Pt.2

What It Means for Tenants and Landlords in England

A Bit More Guidance for Members (Part 2)

Strengthening Tenants’ Rights – What’s Changing and Why It Matters

The government’s long-promised Renters (Reform) Bill is finally moving closer to reality, bringing a significant overhaul of private renting in England. In this Part 2 guidance, we clarify what these proposed changes actually mean for tenants and why they matter.

Section 21 “No-Fault” Evictions

The Bill aims to abolish Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, ending the practice that allows landlords to remove tenants without reason. This long-fought reform could offer far greater security for millions of renters, though the timing and implementation details will be crucial.

At the same time, landlords will retain the right to repossess their properties for legitimate reasons through the revised Section 8 process, ensuring a fair balance between both sides.

Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law

Another major change is the extension of the Decent Homes Standard to private rentals, supported by Awaab’s Law — named in memory of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died due to mould exposure.

Together, these reforms ensure that all rented homes are safe, warm, and properly maintained — not just those in social housing. While they introduce new duties for landlords, they also reduce disputes by clearly setting expectations and standards.

Assured Periodic Tenancies and the Revised Section 8 Process

The Bill moves away from fixed-term contracts toward assured periodic tenancies, giving tenants flexibility to move without losing protection from unfair eviction. Alongside this, the revised Section 8 process introduces clearer and fairer eviction grounds, reducing misuse by landlords.

Landlords will still be able to reclaim properties in legitimate cases — such as selling, redevelopment, or moving in themselves — but the reforms aim to create a more transparent and just framework for both parties.

Pets in Rented Homes

A long-overdue reform makes it explicit that landlords cannot unreasonably refuse requests to keep pets. Tenants may be asked to provide reasonable safeguards, such as pet insurance or assurances of property care, but the default position now favours tenants’ rights.

This acknowledges the growing evidence that pets support mental health, companionship, and family stability. It also closes a long-standing loophole that has caused frustration and unfair refusals for countless renters.

Members’ Summary

Taken together, these reforms represent a decisive shift toward a fairer balance between renters and landlords. They strengthen tenant security, promote better living conditions, and create a foundation for long-term rental stability.

For Workers of England Union (WEU) members, understanding these changes is vital — both personally and when supporting colleagues or other union members facing housing issues.

Stephen Morris, General Secretary of the Workers of England Union, stated:

“The WEU wants our members to benefit from a safer and more secure private rental sector. However, members should recognise the Bill’s limits: it doesn’t fully resolve high rents, enforcement gaps, or the remaining power imbalance. Tenants must still be vigilant and assert their rights. The WEU will continue to campaign for fair representation and stronger protections for all workers across England.”

Workers of England Union (WEU)
Standing up for fair housing, fair work, and fair rights across England.