Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Changes Everything

With only one week to go before Phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 comes into play effect, the government has published the commencement order which brings into force certain provisions of the legislation. From 1st May 2026, the core reforms apply to the private rented sector:-

• All tenancies under the Housing Act 1988 become assured periodic tenancies

• Fixed-term ASTs are abolished

• Section 21 (‘no-fault’) evictions are removed

For now these changes will not apply to social housing.

Alongside the structural tenancy changes, several important provisions take effect:

Transitional Rules — Where the Real Complexity Lies

The Regulations are not just about new law—they are about how old and new systems interact.