No more fixed terms
All tenancies are now periodic. You are not locked into a six or twelve-month contract.
— What is the Renters’ Rights Act?
One law, a handful of practical changes.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2026 reshapes how tenancies work in England. Most changes take effect on 1 May 2026. The points below are the ones most tenants ask about.
— What changed from 1 May 2026
Seven things to know, in plain English.
You can leave with two months’ notice
Written notice, given at any point. No minimum stay before you can give notice.
Section 21 “no-fault” evictions have ended
A landlord can only seek possession using a specific Section 8 ground, with evidence.
Rent increases: once a year, in writing
Must use the prescribed Section 13 form with proper notice. You can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal.
Rental bidding is banned
Landlords and agents must publish a single asking rent. They cannot invite or accept bids above it.
You can request a pet
A landlord must consider your request and respond in writing. Refusal has to be reasonable.
Blanket bans are unlawful
Discrimination against tenants with children or on benefits is no longer allowed in adverts or decisions.
— What this means in practice
Four common scenarios.
If you’re already renting
Your tenancy became periodic automatically.
Your existing agreement rolls on as a periodic tenancy. Your landlord must give you the statutory written information pack by 31 May 2026.
If your rent is being increased
Check that a Section 13 notice was used.
It must be in writing, use the prescribed form, and give the correct notice period. If you think it’s too much, you can ask the First-tier Tribunal to decide.
If your landlord asks you to leave
They must use a specific Section 8 ground.
The grounds include rent arrears, serious anti-social behaviour, the landlord selling or moving in, and others. Keep a copy of any notice and seek advice.
If you’re applying for a tenancy
The asking rent is the asking rent.
You cannot be asked to bid above it. Adverts cannot contain blanket bans like “no children” or “no DSS”.
— Primary sources
Official gov.uk guidance
- Renters’ Rights Act 2026 — overviewOfficial gov.uk collection page covering the Act and its implementation.www.gov.uk/government/collections/renters-rights-act
- Guidance for tenantsTenant-focused explainer: rights, notice periods and how to challenge decisions.www.gov.uk/government/publications/renters-rights-act-guidance-for-tenants
- How to challenge a rent increaseStep-by-step guide to referring a proposed increase to the First-tier Tribunal.www.gov.uk/challenging-a-rent-increase
- Your rights against discriminationRules on blanket bans, children, benefits and protected characteristics.www.gov.uk/guidance/rental-discrimination
- Possession grounds (Section 8)Overview of the grounds a landlord must use to seek possession.www.gov.uk/private-renting/rent-disputes
— Cross-reference
View the landlord version of this guidance.
Written for the same Act, from a landlord’s perspective. Useful if you want to understand the obligations on the other side of the tenancy.