This year will bring significant national changes to the private rented sector, and Kent Housing Group (KHG) is working with partners across the county to ensure landlords and tenants know what’s happening and feel prepared.
From 1 May 2026, Phase 1 of the Renters Rights Act 2025 will introduce a wide range of new rules that will change how private tenancies work. These reforms are some of the biggest updates to renting laws in a generation and are expected to create both challenges and new opportunities for housing across Kent.
KHG—bringing together housing professionals from local councils, registered providers and partner organisations—will be helping to make sure guidance, communication and support are clear and consistent as the changes roll out.
What’s Changing?
Phase 1 of the Renters Rights Act 2025 will introduce several important changes, including:
- Ending Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions
- Replacing fixed term tenancies with periodic tenancies as the standard
- Updated possession grounds and longer notice periods
- New legal duties for landlords around standards and compliance
- Stronger powers for local authorities to step in, investigate and take action when needed
Together, these changes aim to create a more stable, fair and professional private rented sector, with clearer rules for both landlords and tenants.
Why do these reforms matter?
The new legislation aims to:
- Give both landlords and tenants a greater sense of stability
- Make the rules clearer and easier for everyone to understand
- Improve communication and working relationships by setting out what people can expect
- Help responsible landlords continue providing safe, good quality homes with confidence
Support for Landlords and Practitioners
To help organisations, landlords and practitioners prepare, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has produced a comprehensive suite of tools and guidance.
A selection of NRLA services includes:
Renters’ Rights Hub
https://www.nrla.org.uk/resources/renters-rights
Creating an Assured Periodic Tenancy – Renters’ Rights Act Tenancy
https://www.nrla.org.uk/resources/renters-rights/creating-an-assured-periodic-tenancy
NRLA Membership
https://www.nrla.org.uk/join/landlord
Use promo code JG15 for £15 off membership.
Training Course: Renters’ Rights Act
https://www.nrla.org.uk/training-academy/compliance/renters-rights-act
Use promo code JG20 for 20% off training courses.
Kent Housing Group will play an active role in supporting local authorities, housing partners and community stakeholders as the new system beds in. This includes sharing best practice, coordinating training opportunities and ensuring information is delivered in a consistent and accessible way across the county.
KHG will also be supporting multi agency coordination with Kent Police, Kent Trading Standards and other enforcement partners to ensure the reforms are implemented fairly, safely and consistently.
KHG Co-Chair Becs Wilcox said:
“These reforms will affect thousands of households across Kent, and it is vital that the sector is equipped with the knowledge, clarity and support needed to navigate the transition. Kent Housing Group is committed to working collaboratively with partners to ensure landlords, tenants and practitioners are well informed, confident and prepared for the changes ahead.”
A spokesperson for Kent Trading Standards said:
“Kent Trading Standards is committed to ensuring that tenants and landlords understand their rights and responsibilities under the new legislation. Through our close collaboration with Kent Housing Group and wider partners, we aim to provide clear guidance, tackle unfair practices and help maintain a fair, compliant and professional private rented sector across Kent.”
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