Big changes are about to happen for anyone renting privately, and for landlords with tenants. We take you through what you need to know
On 1 May, the Renters’ Rights Act becomes law, strengthening protections for 11 million renters.
It is designed to give renters more security by ending things like section 21 eviction notices whereby a tenant can be evicted with no reason.
Here’s what’s happening and what it means for renters and landlords.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act?
The long-awaited Renters’ Rights Act comes into law in May and it contains some of the biggest changes in the private rental sector in years.
It is designed to help tenants by giving them stronger protections in their home. The new laws are being introduced gradually, with the first set coming in on 1 May.
What is changing for tenants and landlords?
The main changes being introduced in May include:
No more section 21 notices
Landlords will no longer be able to give section 21 notices after 1 May. These notices, also known as ‘no fault’ evictions allowed landlords to evict tenants without needing a reason. They will also not be allowed to use a break clause in a tenancy contract as a reason to evict tenants.
Private landlords will still be able to evict tenants, but they need a valid reason to do so, such as if the tenants owe rent, for anti social behavior, or the landlord is selling the property.
An end to fixed-term tenancies
Fixed term assured shorthold tenancies (AST) are being scrapped. If you rent your home and currently have one, it will be changed into a ‘periodic’ assured tenancy which has no set end. Instead it’s a rolling monthly (or weekly) tenancy.
Landlords will not be allowed to ask for rent before this has been signed. If you currently have an AST, this will end on 1 May and become a rolling tenancy. Your landlord doesn’t need to send you a new agreement but it should notify you of the changes in law no later than 31 May 2026.
Renters can ask to have a pet
If you rent your home, under the new law you will now be able to ask to have a pet in the property. You will have to ask your landlord for this (in writing) and detail what kind of pet you would like to have and they can only refuse if they have a good reason.
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Two months’ notice to leave a tenancy agreement
Renters will need to give at least two months’ notice if they plan to leave a property and end a tenancy agreement.
But in some cases it could be a shorter period, such as if their tenancy agreement states this or if a landlord agrees to it in writing.
No more bidding wars
Landlords will no longer be able to encourage bidding wars among tenants. They must list the rental price in any advert for the property and they aren’t allowed to accept offers above this amount.
One-month limit on rent paid in advance
Tenants will not be required to pay more than one month’s rent in advance. If landlords are asking for more money to be paid, they could be fined by the local council.
Rent increases need two months’ notice
Landlords can only increase the rent for tenants once a year and they must give at least two months’ notice. If a tenant is given a rent hike they think is too high, they will be able to go to a tribunal. They can set a lower rent amount if they agree with you.
Discrimination could face a fine
If there is evidence that a tenant has been discriminated against because they have children or they are receiving benefits, the landlord could be fined £7,000.
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What other changes are planned for private rentals?
At the end of this year, a private rented sector database is set to be introduced, which will be a register of all landlords and rented properties in England. This will be a way for potential tenants to check if a landlord is registered or not.
A Private Landlord Ombudsman is being launched to help with disputes between renters and landlords. It will be a free, independent service to avoid complaints having to go to court.
The government also has a long-term plan to improve rented properties, tackling damp and dangerous conditions. It will see landlords having to implement strict standards and to act to improve serious hazards.
By 2030, all rented homes must also meet new energy standards, with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of C or better unless they are exempt.
