It’s been a few days since the Renters’ Rights Act became law on October 27, 2025, and we’re already seeing how this landmark legislation will transform the moving landscape. After 25 years of helping Londoners relocate, we’ve seen plenty of moves driven by circumstances beyond people’s control. This new Act changes that – and it matters for anyone planning a move in London and the Home Counties.

Why Your Move Got More Secure

The Renters’ Rights Act is the biggest shake-up of England’s private rental sector in almost 40 years. For us at Chess Move Deliveries, it represents something genuinely positive: more people moving because they want to, not because they’re forced to. And that means we get to help plan better, more considered relocations.

The Key Provisions

No More Sudden Section 21 Evictions

For decades, landlords could issue Section 21 notices – “no-fault” evictions – forcing tenants out with minimal notice. If you received one of these notices while planning your life, your moving timeline wasn’t a choice anymore. Suddenly, Chess Move Deliveries wasn’t helping you move to your dream property; we were helping you escape a crisis.

That’s over now. The Renters’ Rights Act abolishes Section 21 evictions entirely. Landlords can only evict tenants for specific reasons – wanting to move into the property themselves, selling it, or serious breaches like unpaid rent or antisocial behaviour. And they must follow proper legal procedures.

For Londoners, this is genuinely significant. It means fewer emergency moves, fewer frantic calls to removals companies, and more time to plan your relocation properly. Your move can happen on your timeline, not because your landlord suddenly gave you two months’ notice.

The End of Fixed-Term Tenancies

The Act also ends Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs), which have been the standard since 1988. All new tenancies are now “assured periodic tenancies” – effectively month-to-month arrangements that continue indefinitely until either party gives notice.

Here’s what this means for your moving plans: you get a 12-month protected period from eviction on any new tenancy. You won’t be forced to move when a fixed term ends. At the same time, you can give two months’ notice whenever you’re ready for your next move – which means you can finally plan ahead. No more artificial deadlines created by tenancy endings.

Better Moves for London Renters

Rent Increases Won’t Force You Out

Your landlord can still propose annual rent increases, but you can now challenge increases you believe are above market rate through the First Tier Tribunal. This removes the fear that suddenly unaffordable rent will force an unexpected move. When you do decide to move, it’s because you’ve chosen to – not because you’ve been priced out.

Anti-Discrimination Protections

The Act bans landlords from refusing tenants with children or who receive benefits. If you’re looking for a new London property and fall into either category, this removes a significant barrier. Your next move won’t be blocked by discrimination.

What’s Happening Right Now?

The Act became law on October 27, but the main provisions won’t take effect immediately. The government has indicated a “big bang” implementation date – likely between spring and autumn 2026 – when all provisions apply to all tenancies simultaneously. Until then, existing tenancies remain under the old rules, and landlords have time to prepare.

What does this mean for people moving now? If you’re planning a move in the next few months, you’ll still be operating under the current AST system. But those planning moves into 2026 and beyond will benefit from these new protections from day one of their new tenancy.

Moving Towards a Better Future

Here at Chess Move Deliveries, we’ve built our reputation on making moves as stress-free as possible. After 25 years and countless relocations across London and the Home Counties, we understand that your move goes beyond transporting belongings – it’s a transition into the next chapter of your life.

The Renters’ Rights Act means that chapter is more likely to be one you’ve genuinely chosen, on terms that work for you:

• Fewer forced moves driven by arbitrary evictions
• More stable rental situations that let you settle and plan ahead
• Greater protection from discrimination and unfair rent increases
• Predictable moving timelines that work with your life, not against it

Preparing for Your Move

Whether you’re moving next month or planning ahead for 2026, here’s what we recommend:

Understand Your Rights 

Know your current tenancy type and what protections you have now. By spring 2026, these protections will be significantly stronger for new tenancies.

Get Professional Support 

Our team has spent 25 years perfecting the art of stress-free moves. From FREE quotes to safe, considerate packing and storage, we handle the complexity so you can focus on your new beginning.

Plan Ahead 

With greater tenant security, you can now move on your schedule. Use that to plan properly – coordinate with Chess Move Deliveries well in advance to secure your preferred moving date and get the exact service you need.

Document Your Move 

When you transition between properties, keep records. The new system emphasises tenant rights and protections, so knowing what condition your new property is in on day one matters more than ever.

The Bottom Line

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents a genuine shift towards fairness in England’s rental market. For people moving, it means one thing: you’re in control.

At Chess Move Deliveries, we’re proud to be part of this transition. For 25 years, we’ve helped Londoners move – and in the future, we’ll be helping people move by choice, on their terms, towards homes they’ve genuinely chosen.

Expert Commentary from Michael Tayo, Managing Director

“After 25 years in the removals business, we’ve witnessed how housing policy directly impacts people’s lives and moving decisions,” says Michael Tayo, Managing Director of Chess Move Deliveries. “The Renters’ Rights Act is genuinely transformative. We’re already seeing enquiries from people who feel they finally have choice in when and where they move. What excites us most is that this legislation removes a layer of stress – people aren’t calling us in a panic at 11pm with three weeks’ notice because they’ve been Section 21’d. They’re calling us because they’ve chosen a better property, a new neighbourhood, or the next chapter of their lives.”

Ready to Make Your Move?

Whether you’re planning your move for next month or preparing for 2026, Chess Move Deliveries is here to help you move on your terms. Get your FREE removals quote today with no hidden charges, no sales pressure. Honest, professional service from London’s most trusted moving company. Visit www.chessmovedelivery.co.uk or call for an instant quote.