From the end of 2025 or early 2026, big changes are being introduced that will reshape renting in England. These updates aim to give tenants more security in their homes, more flexibility when moving, and better protection against unsafe living conditions.

Whether you rent from a private landlord or through social housing, it’s important to understand what’s coming and how it could affect you. At Watson Woodhouse, we’re here to explain the key updates and support you if you need legal advice or help enforcing your rights.

The End of Section 21: Ending ‘No-Fault’ Evictions

One of the most significant updates is the planned removal of Section 21 which currently allows landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason. These so-called ‘no-fault’ evictions have long been a source of anxiety for renters, who can be asked to leave their homes with just a couple of months’ notice, even if they haven’t done anything wrong.

While the official date for this change has not yet been announced, it is expected to take effect by the end of 2025 or early 2026. Once in place, Section 21 notices will no longer be valid. Instead, landlords will need to rely on Section 8 grounds for eviction, which means they must provide a specific, legal reason such as rent arrears or breaches of the tenancy agreement.

For tenants, this means:

• Greater peace of mind and security in your home.
• More opportunity to challenge an eviction if you believe it is unfair.
• A fairer system where landlords cannot evict without good cause.

This change is designed to protect tenants from sudden displacement and reduce the stress and uncertainty often experienced in the rental market.

New Tenancy Structure

Alongside the end of Section 21, there will be a shift to a new tenancy system aimed at making renting simpler and more flexible for tenants. The government plans to replace fixed-term tenancy agreements with periodic tenancies by default. This means your tenancy will automatically continue on a rolling monthly basis instead of ending after a fixed period.

While the official start date for this change is also yet to be confirmed, it is expected to come into effect around the same time as the removal of Section 21.

What this means for tenants:

• You won’t be tied into long fixed contracts and can choose to stay in your home with greater flexibility.
• You’ll be able to end your tenancy by giving just two months’ notice, making it easier to move when your circumstances change.
• Landlords will need to follow clear rules if they want to ask you to leave.

This new structure is designed to give you more control over your tenancy and reduce uncertainty around when you can move or how long you must stay.

Awaab’s Law and the Decent Homes Standard

The death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, caused by prolonged exposure to mould and damp in his family’s rented home, brought national attention to the urgent need for landlords to address housing disrepair more effectively.

In response, Awaab’s Law is set to come into effect from the end of 2025 or early 2026, with some aspects rolling out over the following years. This law requires social landlords to investigate and fix damp, mould, and other health hazards within strict timeframes. Emergency repairs must be addressed within 24 hours, and other serious issues dealt with promptly.

While Awaab’s Law initially focuses on social housing, there is growing momentum to extend similar protections to the private rented sector. As part of this, the Decent Homes Standard is being reviewed with a view to expanding its scope to cover private rented homes as well. This would mean clearer, enforceable standards on what constitutes a safe and healthy living environment for all tenants.

What this means for you as a tenant:

• You should expect faster responses and repairs for problems like damp and mould.

• If your landlord fails to act, you may have stronger legal grounds to challenge disrepair.

• Safer, healthier homes are becoming a priority across all types of rented housing.

What Do These Changes Mean for You?

If you rent a home in England, these updates, expected from the end of 2025 or early 2026, are designed to give you stronger legal rights and a safer, more stable place to live. You should feel more secure knowing that landlords will no longer be able to evict you without a valid reason, that you will have more freedom to move when it suits you, and that serious issues like mould and damp must be dealt with quickly.

As these changes come into effect, you might feel unsure about how they apply to your current tenancy or what your landlord is responsible for. Whether you are in private or social housing, it is important to understand your rights and what steps you can take if something goes wrong.

At Watson Woodhouse, we are here to help you understand where you stand and support you if you need legal advice or action.

We’re Here to Help

At Watson Woodhouse, we work tenants to resolve housing issues. Whether you’re facing disrepair or a possible eviction, our team is here for you. Call us for a FREE and confidential consultation with a specialist solicitor today on 01642 247656 or use our contact form, and we will call you back.