When do changes start?
The Renters' Rights Act became law in October 2025, with some changes already taking effect from 27 December 2025. The majority of the new rules will gradually come into force throughout 2026 and into 2027 in three separate phases. Changes will happen step by step. Until then, the current rules stay the same.
The first phase will be in effect from 1 May 2026. The dates for the second and third phases have not yet been confirmed.
What’s new?
The main changes include:
- no-fault evictions will stop
- tenancies will be month-to-month, not fixed-term
- landlords must give four months’ notice if they wish to sell
- landlords cannot sell within the first year
- rent can go up only once a year, with at least two months’ notice
- rent must be at market rate
- landlords can only advertise homes with fixed rent prices
- bidding between renters is not allowed
- homes must be safe and in good condition
- landlords can’t refuse you because of children, pets or benefits unless they have a valid reason
- a new Legal Ombudsman will help solve problems
- homes must be registered on a new database
- strengthening of local authority enforcement
- strengthening of rent repayment orders
Changes for tenants
The changes will make things better for people who rent by making the rental market more stable and secure.
The changes mean tenants can’t be evicted without a legal reason. Landlords must use one of few limited reasons set out in the Act, such as anti-social behaviour or unpaid rent.
Tenancies are now month-to-month until either side gives notice (although Landlord’s cannot give notice in the first 12 months). This will give tenants more flexibility to able to leave properties sooner if they feel their Landlord is not meeting their obligations under the Act.
Rent can only go up once a year, with at least two months' warning.
Landlords can't ask for more than one month’s rent in advance.
When a home is advertised, only one rent price can be listed. Bids are not allowed. This will stop landlords accepting a higher rent than was initially listed.
You can ask to keep pets in your property. Landlords must give a good reason to say no
Landlords must keep homes safe. Problems, like damp, must be fixed quickly.
Landlords must make sure their homes meet the Decent Homes Standard.
if you're worried about eviction how can you find out about your rights and where can you turn for legal advice so the best thing that someone could do if they're facing eviction is to get legal advice immediately um the longer they leave getting that legal advice the more difficult their Position will become um if you can't get legal advice before you end up at a court hearing generally most courts most courts will have a duty solicitor as funded to be able to offer some assistance at the court and but
that's not always available so it's always better to get to a solicitor sooner rather than later to make sure that you have that ability that there is that ability sry to um have that representation at court yeah it could be a really anxious time for many so really key to get someone who knows what they're doing
Changes for landlords
Landlords should get ready for the new rules. They bring more responsibilities. Landlords should make sure they are aware of their duties to their tenants.
There are new eviction rules; Section 21 (usually called ‘no fault’ evictions) will end. This means landlords need to use one of the few legal reasons outlined in the Act to ask tenants to leave, like selling or moving in themselves, unpaid rent arrears, or antisocial behaviour from the tenants.
There are updated tenancy agreements; you will need to switch from fixed-term to rolling tenancy agreements.
Rent can only be increased once a year at market rates. Tenants must be given written notice of rent rises two months in advance. You will need to give evidence that the rent rise is fair if it is challenged. Landlords can also face penalties if they invite 'rent bids' that are higher than the amount outlined in the letting advert.
All rented homes must be safe and must meet the Decent Homes Standard.
A new landlord register will be introduced. You’ll need to register your properties and make some details public.
A new Ombudsman service will help resolve complaints as quickly and cost effectively as possible. Tenants will be able to issue a complaint using this service if their Landlord is not acting in accordance with the Act. Joining it will be mandatory for landlords.
Changes for letting agents
Agents must be clear about rent and fees. All applicants must be treated fairly. You can’t ask for more than one month’s rent in advance.
Letting agents should ensure that they are aware of the information they may need to provide on behalf of the Landlord.
Letting agents who are also managing rental properties on behalf of Landlords should ensure they are aware of and understand the Decent Homes Standard.
Other sources of help
Get help as a tenant from Citizens Advice or Shelter
All rented homes must be safe and must meet the Decent Homes Standard
Published on 22 January 2026