Renters' Right Act 2025: What social housing sector landlords need to know

The Renters' Right Act 2025 (the Act) represents one of the most significant reforms to the UK rental sector, reshaping tenancy law across England and for the private rented sector, the key reforms are expected to come into force from 1 May 2026.

The Act will not apply to Registered Providers of social housing landlords from 1 May 2026 as the government has confirmed that the new tenancy regime is expected to apply from October 2027, as further regulatory changes are required.

The social housing sector operates within a distinct regulatory framework overseen by the Regulator of Social Housing.

The Act provides that before it can be implemented in the social housing sector, the Secretary of State must:

• Issue the Direction to the Regulator of Social Housing, and;
• Revise the Tenure Standard through a formal consultation process, to ensure it reflects the new assured tenancy and regulatory framework, which sets the expectations for registered providers.

This ensures clarity on how registered providers of social housing should operate under the new regime.

The consultation on Social Housing Tenure Direction

This consultation is a key step in the implementation process and the government is seeking views on a new Social Housing Tenure Direction, which will:

• Align the Tenure Standard with the new assured tenancy framework;
• Remove outdated tenancy types i.e assured shortholds;
• Expand the scope to include a wider range of local authority housing;
• Reflect a more outcomes-based regulatory approach to tenancy management; and
• Strengthen expectations around transparency and support for tenants, including in relation to alternative accommodation.

The aim is to ensure that social housing tenants benefit from increased security, transparency, and consistency. Although the reforms are not yet in force, social housing providers should begin reviewing tenancy practices and policies now, particularly in relation to:

• Tenancy allocation and security;
• Communication and transparency obligations; and
• Handling of tenancy termination and rehousing.

The consultation closes on 28 May 2026.

Organisations and individuals are encouraged to respond and the link to it is here.

Once in force, this Direction will apply in relation to the social housing stock of all Registered Providers of social housing that is low-cost rental accommodation, unless specifically exempted. The proposed Direction will also not apply to intermediate rent accommodation or low-cost home ownership accommodation.

Our Tenancy Disputes team is closely monitoring the Renters' Right Act and its implications on social landlords.