The Renters' Rights Act comes into effect from May 1, transforming legislation surrounding evictions, repairs, and entitlements. It is vital that tenants grasp what is changing, according to Independent Age, the national charity supporting older people on low incomes.
Key Changes from May 1, 2026
From the beginning of May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act will take effect across England. This new legislation is designed to significantly improve the renting experience. The key changes include:
- An end to Section 21 'No Fault' evictions, which allow landlords to evict a tenant for no reason
- An end to fixed-term tenancy contracts, with all renters moved on to rolling contracts
- Clearer rules on having pets
This marks only the first stage of the new law's implementation. Further measures to be introduced at a later date include the creation of a Private Rented Sector database and the application of the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab's Law to the private rented sector.
Can I Still Be Evicted?
Yes, however your landlord may only evict you under specific circumstances. These include:
- They want to move back into the property or sell it (this does not apply in the first 12 months of the tenancy)
- The tenant has significant rent arrears
- Antisocial behaviour
Landlords will no longer be permitted to evict tenants without justification, as Section 21 'No fault' evictions are set to be banned.
Impact on Pension Credit Recipients
Prospective tenants who receive Pension Credit or other financial entitlements can sometimes experience discrimination. This kind of discrimination will now be illegal, giving prospective tenants more power to act if landlords and estate agents discriminate against them.
What Is a Rolling Contract?
A rolling contract is an agreement with no fixed end date, also referred to as a periodic tenancy. Under the Renters' Rights Act, fixed-term contracts will be abolished, with all assured shorthold tenancies automatically converting to assured tenancies (rolling contracts). This means there is no set end date, with tenants able to remain in their property until they choose to end the tenancy by giving two months' notice, or until the landlord terminates it for a specified reason.
Can I Get a Pet?
Tenants will have the right to request a pet and landlords must give the application proper consideration. The criteria determining whether refusing such a request is unreasonable are not straightforward. The UK Government has provided examples of when refusing permission for a pet would be reasonable, such as if the property is too small or the animal is illegal to own. Additionally, landlords cannot legally impose a specific extra charge on tenants for keeping a pet.
Will the Act Improve Home Safety?
The Decent Homes Standard currently applies to social housing but will extend to the private sector in future. It stipulates that properties must be free from dangerous hazards such as damp and mould, maintained in a reasonable state of repair, and equipped with core facilities and services. Landlords have until 2035 to ensure homes comply with this standard. Additionally, Awaab's Law will be extended to the private rented sector, empowering renters to challenge dangerous conditions in their homes by requiring landlords to address hazards within a specified timeframe.
