The Renters' Rights Act 2025: What You Can Do If Your Landlord Tries to Evict You Unfairly
Unfair evictions are one of the most stressful situations a renter can face. With the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 now passed and due to take effect fully in May 2026, big changes are on the horizon. But tenants still need to navigate the current system, where unfair or rushed eviction attempts remain common. This guide explains what an unlawful eviction looks like, the rights tenants have today, how the new Act will change things, and the steps you can take if your landlord is acting unfairly.
What Counts as an Unfair or Unlawful Eviction
An eviction becomes unlawful when a landlord tries to make a tenant leave without following the legal process. For example, if a landlord changes the locks, cuts off gas or electricity, removes your belongings or demands you leave immediately without serving a valid notice, this may amount to illegal eviction. These behaviours are covered in detail by organisations such as Shelter England and Citizens Advice, both of which describe how common these unlawful tactics can be.
Harassment is also a form of unfair eviction. A landlord who enters your home without permission, repeatedly turns up without notice, refuses essential repairs or makes threats is likely breaching your right to live peacefully in the property. These actions are not only unacceptable but can be criminal.
Your Rights Under Current Law (2025)
Even though the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has been approved, the existing law remains in place until May 2026. At the moment, landlords must follow the formal eviction process, which means serving a valid written notice. This is usually either a Section 21 notice (a “no-fault” eviction) or a Section 8 notice (where the landlord must give a specific legal reason). The notice must meet strict requirements, and many are invalid because landlords fail to protect deposits, follow licensing rules or issue the correct paperwork.
If you do not move out at the end of the notice period, the landlord must then apply to the court. Only a court possession order, followed by enforcement officers, can require you to leave. Anything outside this procedure is unlawful. The government sets out the process clearly in its guidance on evicting tenants.
How the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Will Change Things
The biggest shift coming in May 2026 is the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions. This will prevent landlords from removing tenants without giving a legally valid reason. Most fixed-term tenancies will also be replaced by open-ended Assured Periodic Tenancies, offering renters far more stability.
Evictions will rely on updated Section 8 grounds, which must be evidenced properly and used within a clearer, more consistent framework. Alongside this, the Act introduces new protections designed to limit unfair rent increases, ban rental bidding wars and reduce discrimination against families, benefit claimants and vulnerable renters. The government’s full implementation plan is available in its Renters’ Rights Act 2025 roadmap.
Although many of these changes have not yet taken effect, understanding them now can help tenants challenge landlords who try to act unfairly during the transition period.
What To Do Immediately If an Eviction Feels Unfair
If your landlord is trying to make you leave without proper process, you do not have to move out. Without a valid notice and a court order, the eviction is unlawful. The first step is to look closely at the notice you received. Many notices appear official but do not meet legal requirements.
It is important to record everything that happens. Keep copies of messages, letters, emails and any incidents of harassment or pressure. If the landlord interferes with the property, such as by shutting off utilities or attempting to remove doors, photos and written notes will be useful later.
Getting advice early can make a big difference. Housing specialists at organisations such as Shelter England and Citizens Advice can check your notice, explain your rights and help you plan your next steps. If the situation escalates or you receive court papers, a housing solicitor may be needed, and some tenants may be eligible for legal aid.
You can also contact your local council’s housing enforcement or tenancy relations team if the landlord is breaking the law. Councils have powers to intervene, investigate and, in serious cases, take legal action against rogue landlords. You can find your local authority using the government’s council finder.
If the landlord locks you out, threatens you or tries to force entry, the police may treat this as a criminal matter.
What to Expect Over the Next Year
As the date for abolishing Section 21 approaches, councils, advice services and landlords are already preparing for the shift. More tenants are questioning the validity of notices, and more cases are being challenged successfully. Although the law has not yet changed, the direction of travel is clear: evictions must be justified, evidence-based and transparent.
For renters, this means growing confidence in pushing back against unfair treatment. Even under the current rules, many eviction attempts fail because landlords have not followed the law correctly.
Final Thoughts
Unfair eviction attempts rely heavily on tenants being unsure of their rights. If something feels wrong, it is worth getting it checked. Keeping records, seeking early advice and staying in your home until a court order is issued can all protect you from unlawful behaviour.