An A-Z of the Key Terms in the Renters' Rights Act 2025

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces some of the most significant overhauls to the private rented sector in decades.

With reforms aimed at changing how landlords regain possession of their properties, understanding these updates is essential for remaining compliant. The Act received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, with phased implementation beginning 1 May 2026.

In this blog, we have given some definitions that we think will be useful to both landlords and tenants.

Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT)

A type of rolling tenancy with no fixed end date.

Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)

Currently the most common tenancy type in England and Wales, typically with a fixed term. ASTs are being replaced by periodic tenancies under the new Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

Awaab’s Law

This provision is being expanded into the private rented sector in the near future and will require landlords to investigate and fix serious hazards, such as damp and mould, within strict timeframes.

Arrears

The legal term for money that has gone unpaid past its scheduled due date on a recurring obligation.

Banned fee

Banned fees refer to charges that are prohibited by law.

Breach

A legal breach is the violation or failure to fulfil a law, contractual obligation, or duty, which can lead to legal consequences.

Commencement date

All assured shorthold tenancies (including existing tenancies) will convert to periodic tenancies on this date.

Category 1 hazard

A category 1 hazard is defined as a serious and immediate risk to health and safety that arises from a deficiency in a dwelling or its surroundings. This includes hazards such as damp and mould, dangerously steep stairs, faulty electrics, and serious fire risks.

Category 2 hazard

A category 2 hazard is the second highest band of residential hazards containing threats to health such as excess cold and improper ventilation.

Discrimination ban

Landlords or those acting on their behalf cannot discriminate against families with children or individuals receiving benefits. This includes taking steps to deter potential tenants by, for example, refusing them access to information on the property.

Fixed term tenancy

A fixed-term tenancy is a rental agreement that lasts for a specific, agreed-upon period, such as six months or one year.

First-tier Tribunal

A judicial body that resolves disputes in a number of diverse areas of law, including tax, immigration and asylum, and property.

Grounds for possession

Legal reasons a landlord can use to reclaim their property. These have been clarified and expanded under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

Improvement notice

An improvement notice is a formal legal notice issued by a local housing authority requiring action to improve a property.

Landlords

A landlord is an individual or entity that owns or manages real property and leases it to a tenant in exchange for rent, retaining legal ownership while granting the tenant the right to occupy and use the property.

Ombudsman

The ombudsman will be an independent body that resolves disputes between landlords and tenants without the need for court.

Private Rented Sector (PRS) Database

The PRS Database will be an online register requiring information such as: landlord contact details, property details and safety information such as gas certificates.

Periodic tenancy

A periodic tenancy is a rolling tenancy with no fixed end date, continuing or monthly basis until either the tenant or landlord gives notice.

Rent in advance

Payment upfront for a long-term let. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will prohibit rent in advance and cap upfront payments at one month’s rent. This aims to reduce financial barriers for tenants.

Rental bidding ban

Landlords and agents are prohibited from encouraging or accepting offers above the advertised rent (i.e. no bidding wars).

RRA

Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

Section 21 notice

Also known as ‘no-fault eviction’. A legal provision allowing landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason. Under the new Act this will be abolished. The law comes into affect on 1st May 2026 and any final notices must be served before 30th April 2026.

Section 8 notice

A formal notice used by landlords to seek possession of a property for specific legal reasons (e.g. rent arrears, property damage). This becomes the primary eviction route post-Section 21 abolition.

Statutory Law

Statute Law, also known as Statutory Law, is distinct from Common Law in the UK legal system. Statute Law refers to the body of written laws enacted by legislative bodies, such as Parliament, providing clear guidance and structure for legal processes.

Tenant

A tenant is defined as an individual or group who rents and occupies a property owned by a landlord.

With the private rented sector entering a new era of regulation, staying informed is essential to protect your properties and ensure compliance.

Are you prepared for the changes?

If you are unsure how the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will affect your tenancies, eviction processes or property management practices, get in touch with us today. Our team can guide you through the upcoming changes and help you prepare for the new legal landscape.

Contact Elleanor Saunders, telephone: 01535 613665 or email: elleanor.saunders@awbclaw.co.uk

Or Christopher Cooper, telephone: 01535 613680 or email: christopher.cooper@awbclaw.co.uk