Renting from 1 May 2026: what changed for tenants

The headline changes

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 changed private renting in England from 1 May 2026. The changes apply to new tenancies and to most existing ones.

• Section 21 'no-fault' evictions have ended. Your landlord needs a legal reason, such as selling or moving in, to ask you to leave.
• Most tenancies now roll on month to month with no fixed end date. You can leave by giving two months' notice.
• Rent can only go up once a year, with at least two months' written notice. You can challenge an increase you think is above the market rate at a tribunal.
• Landlords can't ask for more than one month's rent in advance, and bidding wars over rent are banned.
• You can't be turned down just because you have children or receive benefits.
• You can ask to keep a pet. Your landlord must reply within 28 days and can only refuse for a good reason.

Repairs and standards

Your home must be safe and kept in good repair. Report problems to your agent in writing, with photos, so there's a clear record of when they were reported.

Tenants of ours can report repairs online at any time, add photos and follow each job through to completion.

Deposits and fees

Deposits are capped at five weeks' rent (six if the annual rent is £50,000 or more) and must be protected in a government-approved scheme. Most other fees are banned.