The Renters’ Rights Act has arrived. Here’s what it means for you

The biggest improvements to tenant rights in a generation are here. Understand what has changed and how it protects your home, your security and your experience.

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Major Improvements for Renters

On 1 May 2026, the first raft of measures in the Renters’ Rights Act came into force in England, with more on the way.  The new Act brings significant protections for tenants, giving you greater security, clearer rights and better standards in rented homes.

  • Fixed Term Tenancies Abolished → More flexibility and easier moves
  • Section 21 Removed → No fault evictions abolished
  • Rent Control Changes → Stronger safeguards around unfair rent increases
  • Decent Homes Standard → Better quality, safer properties
  • New Pet Policies → Fairer access to having pets
  • Landlord Registration and Ombudsman → Better accountability and easier complaint resolution
  • Higher Civil Penalties → Stronger action against unlawful behaviour

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Fixed Term Tenancies Replaced With Rolling Periodic Tenancies

The government has replaced fixed term Assured Shorthold Tenancies with rolling periodic tenancies, giving tenants control and flexibility.

Key Changes:

  • No more fixed term contracts that tie you in
  • All new tenancies become rolling monthly arrangements
  • You can leave with two months’ notice which makes moving easier and reduces financial risk

Section 21 Is Gone. Your Home Is More Secure

Section 21 previously allowed landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason. This protection has been removed.

Key Changes:

  • Landlords must now provide a valid legal reason to ask you to leave
  • All eviction grounds must follow the stricter Section 8 rules
  • You cannot be removed without just cause which improves your long term security in your home

Clearer and Fairer Eviction Rules Under Section 8

The rules around Section 8 evictions have been tightened to protect responsible tenants and ensure clearer processes.

Key Updates:

  • Rent arrears grounds changed. Possession requires at least three months of arrears
  • Notice periods for arrears increasing from two weeks to four weeks
  • Stronger action only applies in cases such as serious anti social behaviour
  • More structured legal processes mean greater fairness and transparency

Better Standards for Every Home

The Decent Homes Standard will become mandatory in the private rented sector. This raises expectations for property condition and safety.

Key Changes:

  • Stronger protections against damp, mould and poor insulation
  • Heating and ventilation must meet new efficiency standards
  • Tougher penalties for landlords who fail to maintain safe living conditions

Fairer Rules on Pets and Tenant Rights

The Act strengthens protections for tenants requesting pets and reinforces anti discrimination safeguards.

Key Changes:

  • Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pets
  • More robust protections for tenants with disabilities
  • Tenancy agreements may be updated to reflect these improved rights

Mandatory Registration. More Transparency for Tenants

All landlords will be required to register their properties and join the Landlord Ombudsman, which gives renters clearer accountability when issues arise.

Key Changes:

  • Your landlord must register every rental property
  • They must be a member of an approved Ombudsman scheme
  • Disputes can be resolved independently and more easily through the Ombudsman process

Higher Penalties For Non-Compliant Landlords

The Act strengthens enforcement and increases penalties for landlords who break the rules. This is designed to protect tenants from unlawful practices.

Key Changes:

  • Maximum civil penalties rise from thirty thousand pounds to forty thousand pounds
  • Councils will be able to issue penalties for illegal evictions without needing to go to court