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What else do I need to know as a Landlord?

Will every tenant be able to request a pet, and will the landlord have to agree?

The Act will imply a term into every assured tenancy that a landlord cannot unreasonably refuse consent if a tenant asks to keep a pet, even if strictly prohibited in the agreement. It will be reasonable for a landlord to refuse consent in the following two situations, although it will not be limited:

  • if an agreement between the landlord and a superior landlord prohibits the keeping of a pet without consent of the superior landlord, and the landlord has taken reasonable steps to obtain consent, but that consent has not been given;
  • if the pet being kept at the property would cause the landlord to be in breach of an agreement with a superior landlord, e.g. a superior lease simply states that pets are not allowed in the building.

From 1 May 2026, it will be illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children.

In the second implementation phase, expected to start in late 2026, a ‘private rented sector database’ will be created to help landlords understand their legal obligations and demonstrate compliance (giving good landlords confidence in their position), alongside providing better information to tenants to make informed decisions when entering into a tenancy agreement. Landlords will need to be registered on the database in order to use certain possession grounds.

Also in late 2026, an ombudsman will be set up. All private landlords will be required to join this service once it is up and running (which it is expected to be in 2028) and may have to pay a small annual fee per property. The ombudsman will aim to provide quick, fair, impartial and binding resolution for tenants’ complaints about their landlords.

Awaab’s Law, which requires landlords to fix damp, mould, and other emergency hazards within strict timeframes, will be extended to apply to the private sector. The Act also envisages that a Decent Homes Standard will be extended to apply to the private sector. The date on which these measures will be brought into force will be announced after a government consultation has taken place.

Watch our Renters’ Rights Act webinar to learn more about the key changes affecting landlords.

Renters’ Rights Act 2025

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (the Act) received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025 and fundamentally changes the law relating to residential tenancies.

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