Big news for renters across England – the Renters’ Rights Act officially became law on 27 October 2025. It’s being called the “biggest shake-up of renting in a generation”, designed to make renting fairer, safer, and more secure.
Housing insecurity is one major factor in people becoming homeless. Promising improved housing conditions and an end to discriminatory practices, this landmark reform can be seen as a vital step forward for homelessness prevention.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act?
The Renters’ Rights Act received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, meaning it’s officially law. However, the changes will come into effect gradually – likely starting in 2026.
In a nutshell, this new law should strengthen renters’ rights, raise housing standards and create a fairer balance between landlords and tenants. For many people who are at risk of homelessness, it could be the difference between keeping a home and losing it.
The 5 biggest changes coming for renters
1. No more ‘no-fault’ evictions
Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions are being abolished. This means landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a reason, giving renters more security and peace of mind. For many people at risk of homelessness, that stability could be life-changing.
2. Say goodbye to Assured Shorthold tenancies
All fixed term assured shorthold tenancies will be converted into assured periodic tenancies (rolling weekly or monthly with no set end date). This will give tenants and landlords more flexibility to respond to changing circumstances – such as moving due to a new job or a relationship breakdown.
3. Fairer rent increases
When the changes come into effect, rents will only be able to rise once a year, and tenants can challenge increases that seem unreasonable. ‘Bidding wars’ for rental properties will also be banned, helping to keep homes more affordable. With rents soaring across Oxfordshire, this will be a very welcome change for many.
4. A minimum standard for homes
For the first time, all private rentals must meet a national Decent Homes Standard. Councils will have stronger powers to hold landlords accountable if homes are unsafe or in poor condition, which is a huge step forward for housing quality and tenant wellbeing.
5. An end to discriminatory practices
The Act bans blanket policies like ‘no pets’, ‘no DSS’ and ‘no kids’, meaning landlords must consider each request fairly. This will open more doors to renters who have traditionally faced discrimination, including families and people on lower incomes.
Why this matters
At Homeless Oxfordshire, we see every day how insecure, poor-quality, or unaffordable housing can push people to crisis point. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is a positive step that could help to reduce the number of people losing their homes here in Oxfordshire.
However, we call on the government and the sector to ensure the Act is implemented in a way that considers the needs of the most vulnerable – including people on benefits, people in supported housing and those with complex needs.
