On Monday 27 October 2025, the Renters' Rights Bill received Royal Assent and entered into law, becoming the Renters' Rights Act 2025. The Act introduces the biggest package of reforms to the private rented sector in England in nearly 40 years.
Commenting on the news, Matt Hutchinson, director of flatshare site SpareRoom, says:
“This is a watershed moment for renters. The private rented sector shouldn't be something that has to be endured. For many renters, buying a home isn't within reach and, when more people are renting for life, the sector has to work for them. These new protections go a long way towards adjusting the balance of fairness. But, they don't shield tenants from market-rate rent rises which is arguably the most urgent issue of all.
“Expect a period of chaos now as the sector adjusts. The Government is good at creating policy, but less good at communicating it. Tenant awareness is overwhelmingly low; too few know about their new rights. And landlords are underprepared for these changes. There's a real risk that if too many follow through on their intentions to leave the rental sector or reduce their portfolios, diminishing supply could force up rents.”
However, SpareRoom survey data reveals tenant awareness and landlord preparedness could be improved.
In an October 2025 survey of 7,074 flatsharers in England, respondents were asked: Are you aware of the Renters' Rights Bill? This is how they responded:
| Q. Are you aware of the Renters' Rights Bill? | Respondent % |
|---|---|
| Yes, I'm following its progression with interest | 22% |
| Yes, I've heard of it, but I don't know much about it or how it affects me | 36% |
| No, I've never heard of it | 36% |
| Not sure | 7% |
Among landlords awareness is high but preparedness is low. In October 2025, a SpareRoom survey of 961 UK landlords found:
- Small landlords are far less prepared for what's coming than landlords with more properties: 52% of those with one or two rental properties had made no preparations for the coming changes, compared to 47% of landlords with three to nine properties, and 43% of landlords with 10+ properties.
- 27% of landlords claim they are in the process of leaving the rental market; 5% of landlords are moving into holiday/short-term lets - a potentially huge problem for the already under-supplied rental market.
- Small landlords are more likely to be in the process of leaving the rental market: 31% of those with one or two rental properties say they're in the process of quitting the market, compared to 22% with 10+ properties.