📢 Big changes are coming for private renters and private landlords from 1 May 2026.
New rules under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will make private renting fairer and more secure. See below how this could affect you.
What’s changing from 1 May 2026?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 brings new rules for private renting in England. The aim is simple: give tenants more security and make sure landlords follow clear, fair rules.
Key changes at a glance:
No more “no-fault” evictions (section 21 evictions)
Landlords can no longer ask tenants to leave without a proper legal reason. They will need to use the correct procedure (section 8 eviction) and prove at court that it is justified and fair to evict you (for example, if you have serious rent arrears or engage in antisocial behaviour).More stable tenancies
Fixed-term tenancies will be abolished and most tenancies in the private sector will automatically become periodic (‘rolling’) tenancies. This means that they will continue until you or your landlord decide to end it.
Ending tenancies
To end a tenancy, you will need to give your landlord a 2 months’ notice. If your landlord agrees, you can give a shorter notice and move out earlier.
Limits on rent increases
Rent can only be increased once a year and landlords must follow the correct legal process by giving you a proper notice (called section 13 notice) with at least 2 months’ notice.You can challenge rent increases
If a proposed rent increase feels unfair, you can challenge it through a Property Tribunal and a judge will decide if the proposed rent increase is reasonable.One month limit on rent in advance
When you sign a new tenancy, landlords will be able to ask only for 1 months’ rent in advance.
Pets in rented homes
Tenants have the right to ask to keep a pet. Landlords can only say no if they have a good reason. If you disagree, the matter can be referred to a court or an ombudsman to settle it.Prohibition of rental bidding wars between renters
Landlords can only rent out for the advertised rent and cannot accept more.
Illegal discrimination of tenants on benefits or with children
It will be a statutory offence punishable by a fine to refuse tenants on benefits or with children. Local councils will be responsible for investigating and enforcing such cases.
New Private Rented Sector (PRS) database
The government will create an online database with privately rented properties and their landlords. Landlords will have a legal duty to make sure that their records in the database are correct and up to date, so that every renter knows who they are renting from. The database is planned to launch in late 2026.
New Private Landlord Ombudsman
New ombudsman office will be launched in 2028 to help renters resolve complaints against landlords quickly and fairly, without needing to go to court.Better living standards and greener homes
Landlords must keep homes safe, in good condition and there will be additional requirements on landlords to make sure that all properties are greener and more energy efficient. These changes will be introduced over the next months and years.
Please note that the above changes do not apply to social tenants, lodgers (tenants with live-in landlords) or occupiers.
For more guidance, visit Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants - GOV.UK
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