The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is bringing in a new era for private renting in Torbay. 

The reforms mean new rights and responsibilities for landlords, letting agents and tenants. 

The first phase of changes affecting the private rented sector in England will be introduced on Friday 1 May 2026.

They include new rules on starting and ending tenancies and the end of ‘Section 21’ no-fault evictions.

We are committed to helping local landlords and tenants understand what the changes mean for them.

Key changes in the Renters' Rights Act from 1 May 2026:

• Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions will be abolished. Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a specific, legally valid reason. This will provide greater security for tenants, empowering them to challenge poor practice and unfair rent increases without fear of eviction.  
• Fixed term assured tenancies will be banned. Tenancies will roll over until either party chooses to end it. Renters will be able to end a tenancy at any point by giving two months’ notice. Landlords will be able to end a tenancy by using a specific, legally defined reason, known as a ‘possession ground’.  
• Tenants will benefit from a 12-month protected period at the beginning of a tenancy during which landlords will not be able to evict them to move in or sell the property.  
• It will be illegal for landlords to discriminate against prospective renters who have children or receive benefits – helping to ensure everyone is treated fairly when looking for a place to live.  
• Landlords will be prevented from asking for, encouraging, or accepting bids above the advertised rent price, which will put an end to rental bidding wars.  
• Landlords will be able to request a maximum of one month’s rent upfront.  
• Rent increases will be legally limited to once per year. 
• Every tenant will have the right to request a pet, which the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.  
• Tenants will be able to challenge rent increases with confidence at a tribunal if they feel rent hikes are above market prices.  

New investigatory powers for local authorities went live in December 2025. These give councils including Torbay a stronger ability to inspect properties, demand documents and access third-party data to enforce housing standards more effectively.

A second phase of changes under the Renters' Rights Act is due to start in late 2026. It will see a compulsory public database set up for the private rental sector with information about properties.

When that is in place, the Government will set up a private rented sector Landlords Ombudsman to provide redress for tenants when things go wrong.

A third phase will follow consultation to introduce a Decent Homes Standard to the private sector and extend Awaab's Law to protect tenants from dangerous conditions.

From 1 May 2026, private sector landlords and letting agents will need to make sure tenants receive written information about the terms of their tenancy.

The Government is advising landlords to read the Renters' Rights Act guidance in full and make the necessary changes to ensure they are compliant with the new law. 

As part of our support for landlords, we work closely with both the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and the South West Landlord Association (SWLA). 

Cllr Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, said: "The Renters' Rights Act is bringing in major changes to the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.

"We want to make sure all landlords and letting agents are aware of what they need to do now to get ready for the changes that are on the way.

"They are advised to read the Government guidance in full and make sure they understand what they need to do as the first phase comes into force.

"Around a quarter of households in Torbay are in privately rented accommodation, so the new law will affect many people.

"This is the biggest update to the private rented sector in the Bay in 40 years, and we are determined to support landlords and tenants to navigate their way through the changes.

"As each stage of the new law is implemented, we want to make sure we are continuing to work with landlords and tenants to support the private rented sector in the Bay and to improve standards.

"Ensuring better quality privately rented homes is a priority for us and is one of a number of ways we are working to address the housing need in Torbay."

There is more information about the Renters' Rights Act changes as well as current information and advice for landlords and tenants on our website at www.torbay.gov.uk/housing.

Landlords and letting agents can sign up to a special newsletter from Torbay Council for regular updates including information about the Renters' Rights Act. Sign up via a link here www.torbay.gov.uk/rra-private-landlords.