The Renters' Rights Act has officially taken effect as of May 1, 2026, ushering in landmark reforms that affect millions of landlords and tenants across the country. The new legislation bans so-called 'no fault' evictions and compels landlords to consider requests from tenants to keep pets, among other significant changes.
End of Section 21 Evictions
One of the most notable changes is the abolition of Section 21 'no fault' eviction notices. Landlords can no longer evict tenants without providing a valid reason, such as selling the property or the tenant falling into rent arrears. Where a legitimate reason exists, landlords must give at least four months' notice.
Rolling Periodic Tenancies
All fixed-term tenancies will automatically convert into rolling periodic tenancies, meaning there is no set end date. Tenants currently in the middle of a fixed-term contract will see their agreement transition to a periodic tenancy from today.
Enhanced Information Requirements
Landlords are now required to provide tenants with essential information, including the rent amount and the landlord's name and address. Failure to do so may result in fines. Existing tenants must receive the official Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026.
Notice Periods for Leaving and Rent Increases
Tenants must give two months' notice when they intend to leave, though landlords may agree to a shorter period. Previously, tenants on rolling contracts only needed to give one month's notice. Rent increases also require two months' notice, can occur only once per year, and must be based on the market rate. Tenants can challenge unfair increases at a tribunal.
Right to Request a Pet
Tenants now have the legal right to ask for permission to keep a pet. Requests must be made in writing, including a description of the animal. Landlords can only refuse for a valid reason and generally have four weeks to respond.
Limits on Rent in Advance and Rent Bidding
Landlords cannot demand more than one month's rent in advance, nor can they request or accept rent before the tenancy agreement is signed. Rent bidding wars are banned, meaning properties must be let at the advertised rent.
Ban on Discrimination in Adverts
Landlords are prohibited from including discriminatory clauses in rental adverts or tenancy agreements, such as 'no children' or 'no benefits'. Exceptions may apply if accommodating children would lead to legal overcrowding or violate licensing conditions.
Citizens Advice has welcomed the reforms, noting that the Act addresses the historic power imbalance in the private rental sector. The charity assisted 2,335 people with Section 21 issues in March alone, along with thousands more facing repairs, unsafe homes, and rent increases.
