Millions of landlords and tenants are set to experience significant changes as new regulations take effect starting today.
The Renters’ Rights Act, which commenced on May 1, prohibits “no fault” evictions and mandates landlords to consider allowing tenants to have pets. A tenant shared how receiving a Section 21 eviction notice had a severe impact on him after raising concerns about issues in his rented property.
Another tenant, James Coleman, expressed his emotional distress upon receiving a Section 21 notice, which ultimately led to his family relocating further away from their children’s schools.
Citizens Advice reported assisting a considerable number of individuals in March with Section 21 cases, repairs, unsafe living conditions, and rent adjustments.
Amy Hughes, Advice Manager at Citizens Advice, emphasized the significance of the Renters’ Rights Act in restoring balance and providing tenants with the security they deserve in their residences.
Under the new legislation, “no fault” eviction notices are banned, and landlords must have valid reasons, such as property sale or rent arrears, to issue eviction notices with a mandated four months’ notice period.
All fixed-term tenancies will automatically convert to rolling periodic tenancies without specific end dates. Landlords are required to furnish tenants with essential details like rent amounts, landlord contact information, and the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.
Tenants are now obligated to give landlords a two-month notice before leaving, with the possibility of earlier departure upon landlord agreement. Rent increases are limited to once a year, with landlords needing to provide a Section 13 notice and adhere to market-based rates.
Tenants now have the right to request permission to keep pets, subject to landlord approval within four weeks. Landlords are prohibited from demanding more than one month’s rent in advance or engaging in rent bidding wars.
Restrictions on rental advertisements or tenancy agreements that discriminate against children or benefits recipients have been lifted, barring specific legal or licensing conditions.
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