Legislation – Renters’ Rights Act 2025

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Part 2Residential landlords

Chapter 1Meaning of “residential landlord”

63Meaning of “residential landlord”

(1)

In this Part—

“residential landlord” means the landlord under a relevant tenancy of a dwelling in England that is not social housing;

“residential tenancy” and “residential tenant” are to be read accordingly.

(2)

In subsection (1)—

“dwelling” means a building or part of a building which is occupied or intended to be occupied as a separate dwelling;

“social housing” has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.

(3)

In this section, “relevant tenancy” means—

(a)

an assured tenancy within the meaning of the 1988 Act, or

(b)

a regulated tenancy within the meaning of the Rent Act 1977.

(4)

The Secretary of State may by regulations amend this Chapter so as to—

(a)

change the meaning of “residential landlord” in relation to a relevant tenancy—

(i)

so that, in addition to or instead of the landlord under the relevant tenancy, it includes any or all superior landlords in relation to that tenancy, or

(ii)

so that it does not include superior landlords added by virtue of this paragraph;

(b)

change the meaning of “relevant tenancy” so as to add or remove a particular kind of—

(i)

tenancy of a dwelling that is periodic or granted for a term of less than 21 years, or

(ii)

licence to occupy a dwelling;

(c)

change the meaning of “dwelling”—

(i)

so that, in addition to a building or part of a building, it includes any other structure, vehicle or vessel,

(ii)

so that it includes a building or part of a building, and anything for the time being included in the meaning of “dwelling” by virtue of sub-paragraph (i), which is occupied or intended to be occupied as a dwelling that is not a separate dwelling, or

(iii)

so that it does not include anything added by virtue of this paragraph.

(5)

Kinds of tenancy or licence added or removed under subsection (4)(b) may be identified by reference to any matters connected directly or indirectly with a tenancy or licence, including the characteristics or circumstances of any person who is so connected.

(6)

In subsection (4)(b)—

(a)

the reference to a tenancy of a dwelling includes a tenancy under which the dwelling is occupied for the purposes of either House of Parliament, and

(b)

the reference to a licence to occupy a dwelling includes such a licence under which the dwelling is occupied for the purposes of either House of Parliament.

(7)

The provision that may be made in regulations under subsection (4) by virtue of section 140(1)(a) includes provision amending section 99.

(8)

The provision that may be made in regulations under subsection (4) by virtue of section 140(1)(b) includes different provision for the purposes of different Chapters of this Part.