Renters' Rights Act
News release issued:
Renting privately? Big changes start 1 May 2026 — here's what you need to know.
The Renters' Rights Act gives private renters in England new protections.
Here's a summary of what changes:
- No more 'no fault' evictions — your landlord will need a valid legal reason to ask you to leave. Section 21 notices end on 1 May 2026.
- All tenancies become rolling (periodic) — fixed-term end dates no longer apply. Your tenancy continues until you choose to leave or your landlord has a legal reason to end it.
- Rent increases are limited to once per year — your landlord must give you at least 2 months written notice, and any increase cannot be above open market rent. You can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal if you think it's too high.
- You have the right to request a pet — your landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. These rules apply automatically — your landlord doesn't need to update your tenancy agreement for them to apply to you.
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