The Renters’ Rights Act is a new law that changes how private renting works in England. It introduces stronger protections for tenants and sets clearer rules for landlords.
The government has announced that the first phase of the Act, which focuses on tenancy reform, will come into force on 1 May 2026. Further parts of the Act will be introduced in stages.
The changes are designed to give private renters more security, more flexibility, and better protection from unfair practices.
What is changing
- Most private tenancies will become rolling tenancies with no fixed end date
- ‘No-fault’ evictions (Section 21) will end
- You can leave your tenancy by giving 2 months’ written notice
- Landlords must have a legal reason to evict you and will usually need to give at least 4 months’ notice
- If you do not leave, landlords must apply to the court to end the tenancy
- Landlords cannot evict you to sell the property or move in themselves during the first 12 months of your tenancy
Your tenancy agreement
- If you already have a tenancy, you do not need to sign a new agreement
- Your landlord must give you a Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet before 31 May 2026
- From 1 May 2026, all new tenancies (including existing verbal agreements) must be in writing
Rent rules
- You cannot be asked to pay rent before you have signed the tenancy agreement
- You can only be asked to pay a maximum of one month’s rent in advance
- Your rent can only be increased once a year
If you think your rent increase is unfair
You can challenge a rent increase by applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
Keeping pets
- You have the right to ask to keep a pet
- Your landlord must consider your request fairly
- If they refuse, they must give a reason
Fair treatment
- You cannot be refused a tenancy because you:
- have children
- receive benefits
- Landlords must advertise the true rent for a property
- Bidding wars and asking for higher offers are not allowed
More information
Find out more about the changes to renting: Private tenants
If you think your landlord is not following the new rules, contact us:
This page will be updated when more information becomes available.
