Renting is changing

What the new Renters’ Rights Act means for you

From 1 May 2026, new national legislation called The Renters’ Rights Act came into effect. The Act is designed to make renting fairer, safer and more secure, while still allowing landlords to manage their properties responsibly.

Whether you rent your home or let one out, here’s a guide to the changes.

The Renters’ Rights Act replaces the old system of fixed‑term tenancies and ‘no‑fault’ evictions with a simpler, more balanced approach for both renters and landlords. The changes apply to most private rented homes including for new and existing tenants from 1 May 2026.

What this means for renters

More security and peace of mind

• Removing ‘no‑fault’ evictions means that landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy without a specific legal reason
• All tenancies will become open‑ended (rolling) tenancies, so there’s no fixed end date
• Renters will be able to stay in their home for as long as they want, provided they meet the terms of their tenancy.

Flexibility if things change

• Renters can end their tenancy at any time with two months’ notice, making it easier to move for work, family or personal reasons.

Fairer renting rules

• Rent increases are limited to once a year, and tenants can challenge increases that seem higher than market rates
• Rental bidding wars banned – landlords must stick to the advertised rent
• Landlords can only ask for one month’s rent upfront
• It is now illegal to refuse tenants simply because they have children or receive benefits
• Renters have the right to request a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.

What this means for landlords

Clarity and consistency
Landlords can still regain possession of their property for legitimate reasons, including:

• Selling the property
• Moving in themselves or close family
• Serious rent arrears or antisocial behaviour

These reasons are known as “possession grounds” and must be clearly justified. This ensures evictions are fair, transparent and lawful for everyone.

A simpler tenancy system

• Fixed‑term tenancies are replaced by a single, rolling tenancy model
• Existing agreements automatically convert, there is no need to issue new contracts, but landlords must provide information to existing tenants on the changes.

Support for good landlords

The Act is designed to support responsible landlords by creating a level playing field that tackles poor practice and rewards those who maintain safe, well‑managed homes.

What we are doing

The Renters’ Rights Act gives councils stronger powers and clearer duties to improve standards in the private rented sector. We will:

• Provide clear advice and guidance to renters and landlords
• Work proactively with landlords to ensure homes are safe, well‑maintained and legally compliant
• Investigate complaints relating to unlawful eviction, disrepair or unfair renting practices
• Take enforcement action where serious breaches are found.

Our approach is focused on early support and education, stepping in with enforcement when necessary.

Looking ahead

Later in 2026, further improvements will be introduced, including:

• A national landlord and property database
• A Private Rented Sector Ombudsman, offering a quicker and easier way to resolve disputes without going
  to court.

We will share more information on these and future changes including Awaab’s Law and the Decent Homes Standard which will be applied to the private rented sector.

If you rent a home or let a property and want to understand how the changes affect you please click on the link below or find the Government guidance at: https://housinghub.campaign.gov.uk.