Renters Rights for Tenants in Oxfordshire

Major Improvements for Renters

On 28 October 2025, the Renters’ Rights Bill was passed into law. The new Act brings significant protections for tenants, giving you greater security, clearer rights and better standards in rented homes.

Fixed Term Tenancies Abolished → More flexibility and easier moves
Section 21 Removed → No fault evictions abolished
Rent Control Changes → Stronger safeguards around unfair rent increases
Decent Homes Standard → Better quality, safer properties
New Pet Policies → Fairer access to having pets
Landlord Registration and Ombudsman → Better accountability and easier complaint resolution
Higher Civil Penalties → Stronger action against unlawful behaviour

Fixed Term Tenancies Are Ending. Giving You More Freedom

The government is replacing fixed term Assured Shorthold Tenancies with rolling periodic tenancies, giving tenants control and flexibility.

Key Changes:

No more fixed term contracts that tie you in
All new tenancies become rolling monthly arrangements
You can leave with two months’ notice which makes moving easier and reduces financial risk

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Section 21 Is Gone. Your Home Is More Secure

Section 21 previously allowed landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason. This protection is being removed.

Key Changes:

Landlords must now provide a valid legal reason to ask you to leave
All eviction grounds must follow the stricter Section 8 rules
You cannot be removed without just cause which improves your long term security in your home

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Clearer and Fairer Eviction Rules Under Section 8

The rules around Section 8 evictions are being tightened to protect responsible tenants and ensure clearer processes.

Key Updates:

Rent arrears grounds changed. Possession requires at least three months of arrears
Notice periods for arrears increasing from two weeks to four weeks
Stronger action only applies in cases such as serious anti social behaviour
More structured legal processes mean greater fairness and transparency

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Better Standards for Every Home

The Decent Homes Standard will become mandatory in the private rented sector. This raises expectations for property condition and safety.

Key Changes:

Stronger protections against damp, mould and poor insulation
Heating and ventilation must meet new efficiency standards
Tougher penalties for landlords who fail to maintain safe living conditions

Understand the changes

Fairer Rules on Pets and Tenant Rights

The Act strengthens protections for tenants requesting pets and reinforces anti discrimination safeguards.

Key Changes:

Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pets
More robust protections for tenants with disabilities
Tenancy agreements may be updated to reflect these improved rights

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Mandatory Registration. More Transparency for Tenants

All landlords will be required to register their properties and join the Landlord Ombudsman, which gives renters clearer accountability when issues arise.

Key Changes:

Your landlord must register every rental property
They must be a member of an approved Ombudsman scheme
Disputes can be resolved independently and more easily through the Ombudsman process

Get informed

Higher Penalties for Unfair or Illegal Practices

The Act strengthens enforcement and increases penalties for landlords who break the rules. This is designed to protect tenants from unlawful practices.

Key Changes:

Maximum civil penalties rise from thirty thousand pounds to forty thousand pounds
Councils will be able to issue penalties for illegal evictions without needing to go to court

Find out more