Despite being one of the most popular housing types in the city, private renting has for many years been largely unregulated, putting some renters at risk of bad practice and poor conditions...But the new Renters Rights rules mean things are changing.
The Renters Right Act is now in place and is designed to make renting fairer, safer and more secure.
This new law will strengthen private renter's rights, raise housing standards and create a fairer balance between landlords and tenants.
For tenants with an assured shorthold tenancy, which most tenants have, the Act provides the following protection:
- 'No-fault' (or section21) evictions are now illegal - private landlords can only evict tenants with a legally valid reason, reducing the risk of short-term homelessness
- No more fixed contracts - most tenancies will become rolling tenancies with no fixed end date, meaning tenants have more freedom to move (while providing sufficient notice) without being locked-in to a tenancy
- Fairer rules on rent increases - private landlords will only be able to raise rent once a year which mean residents aren’t hit with unfair price increases.
- No discrimination - landlords will not be able to refuse a tenant because they have children or receive benefits, creating a fairer rent system for families and people on lower incomes.
- Fairer rules from the start - unfair bidding wars are now illegal, including best and final practices, that artificially inflate rent prices. And landlords cannot demand more than a month's rent upfront, making sure starting a tenancy is as affordable as possible.
New funding from Government will be used to create a Renter’s Rights Resolution Team who will support tenants and landlords to get the right information and guidance.
How we are supporting private rented tenants
We have set up a new Renter’s Right Resolution Team that will support tenants who believe their tenancy is at risk under the new rules covered by the Act.
By supporting residents as early as possible to understand their rights and options we will be helping avoid homelessness and provide security and peace of mind.
Working with teams across the Council we will be able to signpost residents to the right places to escalate issues and to find resolutions.
Where to get for information and guidance
If a private rented tenant is impacted by any of the above, they can access information at support via www.manchester.gov.uk/renters-rights
What will this mean for landlords?
It is vital that landlords are aware of the Act and comply with the new rules.
The Act means that the Council has enhanced powers to investigate including entering premises and gathering evidence.
Fines can be up to £7,000 for minor or initial non-compliance, and up to £40,000 for repeat offences.
Compliance services such as the Housing Compliance and Enforcement team and Trading Standards will investigate these offences.
Further guidance can be found at Private landlords
How we are supporting landlords
We will provide guidance and support to landlords so that they understand the changes and their responsibilities and where possible work to reduce disputes and prevent escalation into homelessness or enforcement.
We will be in touch with landlords who have provided their contacts details to make them aware of the changes and the action they must take.
Including directing to Government online guidance including the Renters' Right Information Sheet, which all landlords should’ve already issues to their tenants before the new rules came into effect on 1 May 2026.
Cllr Bev Craig OBE, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“For many years we have been urging successive governments to strengthen the protections and support available for people living in privately rented homes.
“For too long this sector has felt under regulated, putting tenants at risk of homelessness because of no fault evictions or in retaliation for raising concerns about their home.
“We know that section21 evictions are one of the main causes of homelessness in the city, so this is a bold move by Government to put the rights and wellbeing of renters first – making renting a home safer and more protected than ever before.”
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said:
“This new law will give renters some reassurance that they have the backing of the law, and there are now new expectations and regulations that landlords have to legally comply with. Tenants should feel safe and secure in their home and it’s really welcome that this government has done what’s right to protect our residents living in the private rented sector.
“We’ve also set up a new dedicated team to support both residents and landlords through the new changes – and where issues do arise, we would encourage people to get in touch and get our help.”