You own your home, so why care about the Renters Rights Act?
You own your home, so why care about the Renters Rights Act?
If you own your home and you are thinking of selling, a new law about renting might sound like something that does not concern you.
In reality, the Renters Rights Act 2025 will change how many people move home in England. Even though we do not manage rental properties at Wishart Estate Agents, we spend our time dealing with chains that include renters, landlords and homeowners. When the rules change for renters, it can still affect your move. Here is why it is worth paying attention, even if you do not think of yourself as a renter at all.
Selling first and renting in the middle
A very common plan is: We will sell first, move into a rental for a while, and then buy when the right place comes up. It can be a brilliant way to put yourself in a strong position as a buyer. You become chain free, ready and able to move when you find the right home. Until now, there have been three big worries.
1. Will anyone rent to us with a dog, cat or children
2. Will we be turned down because we are on maternity leave or benefits for a short time
3. Will we get stuck in a long fixed term tenancy and then miss out on our ideal home
Under the Renters Rights Act:
1. Landlords are not allowed to reject people simply because they have children or receive benefits.
2. Tenants have stronger rights to request a pet and landlords must not refuse without a good reason.
3. Tenancies are expected to move away from the usual six or twelve month fixed terms and become periodic, which means renters can leave with two months notice.
In practical terms, that means:
• If you need to sell first and then rent for a while, you should have more realistic options as a temporary renter.
• It should be easier to keep the family together, including pets.
• When you find the property you want to buy, you are less likely to be trapped by a long fixed term tenancy. You can work backwards from your planned completion date and give notice in good time.
For many sellers, this removes one of the biggest fears about selling before they have found somewhere to buy.
Your buyer may be renting
You may own your home and never have rented, but your buyer might be in a rented property right now. The person you are buying from might also be selling a home that is currently occupied by tenants.
The Renters Rights Act changes how and when tenants can be asked to leave.
• Tenants will be able to end their tenancy with two months notice when they are ready to move on.
• Landlords will need a clear legal reason to regain possession.
If they want to move in themselves or sell, they will normally have to give several months notice to the tenant. For a sales chain, that means two key things.
1. A buyer who is renting may feel more secure and less at risk of a surprise eviction, so they can plan their purchase more calmly.
2. If your onward purchase is tenanted, the seller may need more time to obtain vacant possession in a lawful way.
At Wishart, we will ask more detailed questions about any rental situation that appears in your chain. That helps us set realistic timescales from the start and avoids over promising on move dates that are simply not achievable.
Fewer sudden shocks in the chain
Many people know someone who has had:
• A sudden notice from a landlord because they might sell.
• A steep rent increase that pushes them to leave quickly.
That kind of instability often causes chain problems. Buyers rush decisions because they are desperate not to be without a home. Chains collapse when someone has to move earlier than expected. The Renters Rights Act is designed to give renters more certainty. It removes so called no fault evictions, creates a single process for rent increases and strengthens standards for repairs and conditions. For you as a seller, the benefit is indirect but real. A more stable rental sector should mean fewer last minute dramas from the rented part of the chain.
Thinking of becoming a landlord instead of selling
For some homeowners, the back up plan has always been: If it does not sell, we will just let it out. The new rules do not stop anyone becoming a landlord, but they do add responsibilities. Landlords will have to register, meet property standards and follow set processes to gain possession if they want to move back in or sell. For some owners that will still be acceptable. For others, once they understand what is involved, simply selling well and moving on will feel like the less stressful route. That is where a clear marketing strategy and a realistic price really matter.
What should you actually do as a seller
You do not need to memorise the Act. However, if you are thinking of moving, it helps to:
1. Talk through your plan. Will you sell and rent in between Or sell and buy straightaway Or keep your current home and let it out We can explain how each option sits under the new rules.
2. Tell us if a temporary rental is part of your strategy. We can advise on likely time scales, notice periods and how to structure your move.
3. Be open about any tenancies in your chain. If any property in the chain has tenants, we will work with the other agents and solicitors to understand the legal position and what that means for your timeline.
The Renters Rights Act is designed to give renters more security and better homes. For homeowners, it should make renting in the middle of a move feel less risky and chains involving renters a little more predictable.
Want to talk it through If you are considering a move in York, Tadcaster or the surrounding villages and you are wondering how the Renters Rights Act might affect your plans, we are very happy to chat it through. We do not manage rentals, but we do understand how these changes fit into the bigger picture of your move. Get in touch with the team and we can help you build a plan that works.
This blog is for general information only and is not legal advice. If you are unsure how the Act affects your situation, you should speak to a legal professional or qualified adviser.