The Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026, representing the most significant overhaul of renters’ rights in decades. This new legislation affects approximately 11 million renters across the country, providing them with enhanced protections and more stable housing arrangements.
One of the most notable changes is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions. Landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason, which is expected to increase housing stability for many renters who previously lived under the constant threat of eviction.
Additionally, all tenancies in the private rented sector will now operate as rolling agreements. This means that renters will have the flexibility to stay in their homes on a month-to-month or week-to-week basis, rather than being tied to fixed-term leases.
Landlords are now restricted to raising rent only once a year. Moreover, tenants can challenge any unfair rent increases, and landlords must adhere to the advertised rent price, which eliminates bidding wars that often drive prices up.
Key provisions of the Renters’ Rights Act include:
- Landlords can charge a maximum of one month’s rent upfront.
- It is illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants based on benefits or having children.
- Tenants can request to live with pets, and landlords must reasonably consider these requests.
While these changes significantly strengthen tenant protections, landlords still retain certain rights. They can evict tenants for specific reasons such as selling the property or dealing with rent arrears. However, this balance aims to create a fairer rental landscape.
The government plans to introduce a Private Rented Sector Database to register all landlords and rental properties in England. This initiative will enhance accountability within the sector. Furthermore, by 2035, all privately rented homes must meet new energy efficiency standards as part of ongoing reforms.
This legislative shift has garnered mixed reactions. Chelsea Phillips, Acorn national chair, emphasized that this victory resulted from over ten years of tenant organizing and action. Meanwhile, Tom Goodman from Goodlord noted concerns among landlords about how these changes will be implemented in practice.
