Renters' Rights Act: information for tenants
The law for private renting has changed. The Renters’ Rights Act is designed to make renting fairer and give tenants more security in their homes.
What has changed for tenants?
From 1 May 2026, tenants have stronger protections. Report a problem to us if a landlord is not meeting the Renters’ Right Act.
No ‘no‑fault’ evictions
A landlord must have a legally valid reason to evict you. This means Section 21 evictions have ended.
A legally valid reason is called a ground for possession. If your landlord wants to evict you, they must:
- give you a Section 8 Notice of Seeking Possession
- clearly say which ground they are using
- give the correct notice period, which is usually at least two months.
If this does not happen, the eviction process may not be valid.
You can read more about eviction rules, including how they apply to students. Visit Grounds for possession: guidance for tenants on GOV.UK.
No fixed end dates
Most tenancies are now rolling, making it easier to leave by giving notice.
Limits on rent increases
Rent can only go up once a year, with at least two months’ notice. And your landlord cannot increase it within the first year of your tenancy.
Any rent increase must be proposed through the Section 13 process. That means your landlord must use a completed Form 4A. Find out more about the Section 13 process on GOV.UK.
Limits on rent upfront
Landlords and letting agents cannot demand large amounts of rent in advance.
- Before a tenancy agreement is signed, they must not ask for any rent in advance.
- After the agreement is signed, and before the tenancy starts, they can only ask for:
- up to one month’s rent, or
- 28 days’ rent if rent is paid more often than monthly.
- After your tenancy has started, they must not ask for rent before the agreed due date.
Protection from discrimination
You must not be refused because:
- you have children, or
- you receive benefits.
This includes practices like “No DSS” adverts.
Landlords and agents can still carry out affordability and referencing checks. But decisions must be based on affordability — not on family status or benefits.
Fairer rules at the start
Bidding wars are not allowed. This means a landlord or letting agent:
- must advertise a property with a clear asking rent
- must not ask for, encourage, or accept offers above that rent.
Fairer rules for pets
You can ask to keep a pet. A landlord must have a good reason to say no. Read the rules around pets on GOV.UK.
Information from your landlord
By end of May 2026, your landlord should give you an information sheet explaining what these changes mean for you.
Get more detail
Read full guidance for tenants on GOV.UK.