The way private renting works changed on 1 May 2026. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 helps make renting fairer, safer, and more secure.

Advice for landlords

Landlords and letting agents must give tenants written information about their tenancy. This includes the Renters Rights Act Information Sheet.

This information must be given if the tenancy:

• is an assured or assured shorthold tenancy
• started before 1 May 2026
• has written terms, such as a tenancy agreement

More advice is available on the government webpage for landlords and letting agents.

Advice for tenants

Tenants can read about the changes on the government's Renters Rights Act overview. You also watch a video that explains the changes on the Shelter UK website.

What has changed

No more Section 21 evictions

Section 21 or “no fault” evictions have ended. Landlords cannot evict tenants without a legal reason. This is called a possession ground, and must be proved in court.

A landlord can ask a tenant to leave if they want to:

• move family members into the property
• move into the property
• sell the property

Tenants can still be evicted if they owe lots of rent.

Changes to tenancy types

Fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST) are no longer allowed. All ASTs will become periodic tenancies without an end date.

Tenants can stay in the home until:

• they choose to leave
• the landlord gives notice and a legal reason
• a court orders the tenancy to end

Tenants usually need to give two months’ notice to leave.

Tenancy agreements

Landlords must give tenants written tenancy information. The tenancy agreement must include:

• how much the rent costs
• the landlord’s name
• the landlord’s address

Rent increases and advance rent

Rent can only be increased once a year. To increase rent, landlords must:

• give at least two months’ notice
• say what the new rent will be
• not ask for more than one month’s rent in advance

If tenants think the rent increase is too high, they can ask a tribunal to review it.

Rental bidding

Landlords must clearly advertise the rent price. They cannot ask tenants to bid against each other or take higher offers.

Rules for pets

Tenants have the right to ask to keep a pet. Landlords can only refuse if they have a good reason. If they say no, they must explain why in writing. If the reason is unfair, tenants can challenge it in court.

Discrimination

Landlords must treat people fairly. They must not refuse to rent to families or people who receive benefits.