If you’re currently renting in the UK, then it’s important that you are aware of the upcoming changes related to the Renters’ Rights Act. This blog will cover 5 things renters need to know about the Renters’ Rights Act.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act?
The Renters’ Rights Act is designed to make renting more secure for tenants. It will introduce a range of important changes for existing tenants and landlords.
Landlords are legally required to adhere to the new legislation, and local councils can fine landlords up to £40,000 for breaching these rules.
When does the Renters’ Rights Act come into force?
The Renters’ Rights Act comes into action from the 1st of May 2026, so there really isn’t long to wait.
What do renters need to know about the Renters’ Rights Act?
Tenancy agreement changes
Currently, many tenants have contracts or written tenancy agreements in place. These often mean that a tenant is contracted to stay in a rental property for a set period of time, often 6 or 12 months. This is known as a fixed-term tenancy.
The new changes mean that every tenancy becomes a rolling, periodic agreement. There will soon be no fixed end date for these tenancies, and the rules are changing so that every tenant has to give 2 months’ notice when they want to leave a property. This makes the renting process more fair for tenants.
Removal of no-fault evictions by private rented sector landlords
Prior to the changes, landlords could ask tenants to leave under a ‘no-fault eviction’, meaning that they only need to give tenants one month’s notice to leave their property. These ‘no fault evictions’ will be abolished under the new changes.
The new changes mean that landlords must provide a legally valid reason to evict private tenants, for example a breach of the tenancy agreement, entering serious rent arrears or anti-social behaviour. Any eviction must be on reasonable grounds.
Higher property standards in the rental sector
Landlords will soon have to meet the Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector. Additionally, the introduction of Awaab’s Law means that landlords must rectify issues such as damp and mould promptly.
Landlords will also be required to register with a private rented sector ombudsman, meaning that tenant rights are better protected.
Pets in rental homes
Whether or not tenants are allowed pets in their rental homes has been a long-standing conversation. Under the new rules, tenants have the right to request a pet in their rental homes, but the private landlord can still say no. Landlords now must give a valid reason for refusing pets in the rental home.
Rent increase notice periods
As a result of changes to rental contracts, there are also upcoming changes to rent increases and the notice that landlords are legally required to give. Currently, landlords can increase rent with one month’s notice, but under the new rules, they have to give tenants two month’s notice, the same as tenants must give to leave the property.
Tenants will also have access to better processes for rent price appeals and other tenant complaints during their new periodic tenancies. There are also changes to rental bidding and landlords are no longer allowed to discriminate against those who have children or receive benefits.
Who is affected by these new tenancy agreement changes?
These changes affect all tenants, regardless of when your current tenancy agreement is running until. From 1st May, all of these changes will apply to all tenants renting in England.
Tenants should receive the information they need, which outlines their new rights by 31st May 2026. These changes are designed to protect tenants and could improve the outcomes for many aspiring homeowners.
In addition to providing a government produced information sheet to tenants, landlords must register on a private rented sector database where property details are given. Ensure that you are familiar with all changes, including how long you must serve notice and other legal obligations in your new rolling tenancy.
Are you a tenant looking for advice on the Renters’ Rights Act and how it affects you? Then you should contact us. Our team will be more than happy to help.
