Renters rights

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now law in England and these are the things that as landlords and tenants you will need to know.

Key changes

• Your landlord needs a legal reason to evict you with a section 8 notice.
• No more fixed term tenancies. It is now a periodic assured tenancy (no set end date)
• Your landlord can only increase your rent once a year. Any rent increase must be no higher than the current market rent and they must give you at least 2 months notice of rent increase.
• Most private tenants now have assured tenancy with stronger rights.
• Strict rules on “rental bidding”.
• Landlords and agents must not refuse to rent to you because either:
• You claim benefits
• You're a family with children
• Introduction of Awaab’s Law
• Landlords must give their tenants the official information sheet and guidance- The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 - GOV.UK

More information

Government and other national guidance on the Renters’ Rights Act and renting property:

• General landlord guidance - Renting out your property: guidance for landlords and letting agents - Guidance - GOV.UK
• Renters’ Rights Act tenant information - Private Tenants - Housing Hub 
• Renters’ Rights Act landlord information - Private landlords - Housing Hub 
• General tenant guidance - Renting a property - GOV.UK
• Shelter guidance - Private renting - Shelter England

What you need to know

Can my landlord still evict me?

Yes. However, landlords can no longer use a Section 21 "no-fault" eviction. They must have a valid legal ground for possession and follow the Section 8 process.

What is Section 8?

Section 8 is the legal process landlords must use when seeking possession of a property. The landlord must demonstrate a valid ground for possession, such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, wishing to sell the property, or moving into the property themselves.

Can my landlord ask me to leave because they want to sell the property?

Yes. Landlords can use a possession ground if they genuinely intend to sell the property, although restrictions apply, particularly during the first 12 months of a tenancy.

Do I still have a fixed-term tenancy?

No. Under the new system, tenancies become periodic (rolling) tenancies rather than fixed-term agreements.

How much notice do I need to give if I want to leave?

Tenants are generally expected to provide at least two months' written notice before ending their tenancy.

Can my landlord ask for six months' rent in advance?

No. The new rules restrict landlords to requesting up to one month's rent in advance.

What is rent bidding?

Rent bidding occurs when prospective tenants offer more than the advertised rent to secure a property. This practice is now banned.

Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I receive benefits?

No. Refusing a tenancy solely because someone receives benefits is unlawful under the Renters' Rights Act.

Can I ask to keep a pet?

Yes. Tenants can make a written request to keep a pet. Landlords must consider requests reasonably and provide a valid reason if refusing.

Does the landlord have to respond to a pet request?

Yes. Landlords must respond within the required timeframe and explain any refusal.

What should I do if I have damp or mould in my home?

Report the problem to your landlord as soon as possible and keep photographs, inspection reports, and copies of correspondence.

What is Awaab's Law?

Awaab's Law requires landlords to investigate and address serious hazards such as damp and mould within set timescales. It already applies to social housing.

What should I do if my landlord ignores reports of damp and mould?

Keep records of all communications and seek housing advice from your local authority, Shelter, or another housing advice service.

What happens if I receive a Section 8 Notice?

Nothing immediately. A section 8 notice is a legal warning from your landlord telling you that they want to end your tenancy. The notice period depends on why your landlord is asking you to leave the property. It is important to know that you are legally allowed to stay in the property until the notice period expires.

Can I challenge a rent increase?

Yes. Tenants have the right to challenge rent increases

What should I do if I think I've been discriminated against?

Keep copies of adverts, emails, text messages and any other evidence, and seek advice as soon as possible.