Landlords providing social housing assured tenancies have, until recently, been left in the dark as to when the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (“the Act”) would apply to them. The Government has now confirmed the implementation timetable.
From 27 October 2027, subject to any transitional provisions, the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will apply to social housing assured tenancies.
Below, we explain what this means for landlords who provide social housing, what rules apply until October 2027, and what changes to prepare for.
What Rules Apply Until October 2027?
Until October 2027, landlords who are private registered providers of social housing must continue to follow the existing legal framework. This includes:
- Granting tenancies as you do now, including assured tenancies (ATs) and assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs);
- Using the current possession procedures, including Section 8 and Section 21 notices;
- Relying on the existing prescribed forms, including Form 3 and Form 6A, when seeking possession; and
- Applying the current grounds for possession set out in Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988.
No changes are required to your current processes for social housing assured tenancies until the Act comes into force for this sector.
Do the Social Housing Changes Apply to Me?
You will fall within this category if you provide tenancies within the meaning of Part 2 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 and are a private registered provider of social housing.
If this applies to you, you will be required to implement the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 from October 2027.
If you are unsure whether your organisation falls within this definition, legal advice should be sought. Swinburne Maddison can assist in confirming your status and advising on your obligations.
What Changes From October 2027?
From the implementation date in October 2027, social landlords will need to comply with the new requirements under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. These include (but are not limited to):
- Assured periodic tenancies only
All new social housing tenancies must be granted as assured periodic tenancies. Any existing assured shorthold tenancies will automatically convert to assured periodic tenancies. - New tenant information requirements
Landlords will be required to provide tenants with prescribed information relating to the new tenancy regime. Further legislation is expected to confirm what information must be supplied. - Abolition of Section 21 for social housing
Landlords will no longer be able to rely on the Section 21 “no‑fault” procedure to recover possession. - Revised grounds for possession
To regain possession, landlords will need to satisfy the court that one or more of the relevant grounds for possession apply, as set out in Schedule 1 to the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988. - Rent increases
Section 13A of the Housing Act 1988 will apply where landlords wish to increase rent. Existing rent review clauses can still be relied upon.
Importantly, annual rent increase limits will continue to be governed by the Regulator of Social Housing’s Rent Standard, rather than the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
What If I Provide Non‑Social Housing Tenancies?
If you provide non‑social housing assured tenancies, the new rules under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will apply sooner. For these tenancies, the changes take effect from 1 May 2026. Further details on these changes can be found here.
How Swinburne Maddison Can Help
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes for both private and social housing landlords, with different implementation dates and legal obligations.
Swinburne Maddison advises landlords and housing providers on preparing for the transition to assured periodic tenancies, possession strategies under the new legislative framework, compliance with tenancy documentation and notice requirements and managing rent increases lawfully. If you would like advice tailored to your organisation, please contact Kaye Cunningham at Kaye.Cunningham@swinburnemaddison.co.uk or call our housing and property disputes team on 0191 384 2441.
