Too many residential landlords are yet to wake up to the ‘fundamental shift’ the new Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents and could face nasty surprises if they don’t take expert advice, a Liverpool lawyer is warning. Tony McDonough reports

A Liverpool lawyer is warning that too many residential landlords are unaware of the full implications of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which came into effect in the spring.

Tracey Quirk, a senior solicitor at law firm Gregory Abrams Davidson (GAD) says the new Act represents a “fundamental shift” in the relationship between landlord and tenant, particularly when it comes to eviction and possession.

“The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is potentially a compliance nightmare for those landlords who are unprepared for the changes,” Tracey told LBN. “We have already had calls from some who still don’t fully understand what it means for them.

“I do think this may lead to a professionalising of the sector, and I think the days of the casual landlord may be over. When it comes to evictions, in particular, litigation is no longer the exception, it is now the norm.”

Some of the main point of the Renters Rights Act are:

• Abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions: This means landlords must have valid and specific legal grounds to regain possession of their properties.
• End of fixed term tenancies: All tenancies must now be open-ended and tenants can leave with just two months’ notice.
• Rent increases: Landlords can only raise the rent once a year and must offer at least two months’ notice using a formal process.

The act also bans bidding wars over rents, provides a right to keep pets, ends blanket discrimination against children and benefit claimants, upfront rent cap and compulsory registration with the Landlords Database.

“The abolition of Section 21 is a critical point,” explained Tracey. “There are landlords who still believe the law is on their side when it comes to taking back possession of their properties.

“But it doesn’t work that way anymore. A landlord who wants to take back possession of their property now has to put together a legal case. They have to justify an eviction and make the case for it.

“At the beginning of every tenancy agreement landlords must provide a written statement of terms and prescribed information. And whether grounds for possession are included in the statement could affect the landlord’s ability to rely on them later.

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“For many landlords, especially those managing multiple properties or operating as a business, this shift can feel overwhelming. Mistakes are no longer minor inconveniences-they can lead to delays, financial losses, or even legal penalties.”

One of the first steps in adapting to the new law is ensuring tenancy agreements are fully compliant with the Act. Tracey added: “Some landlords may be feeling overwhelmed right now and we urge them to come and speak to us as soon as possible.”