Introduction
*All information on this webpage comes from Government Guidance and may be subject to change.
The Government has introduced the Renters’ Rights Bill, now officially law as the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, marking the most significant reform to the private rented sector in over 30 years. First presented to Parliament on 11 September 2024, the Act affects over 11 million tenants and 2.3 million landlords across England.
From 1 May 2026, major reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act will transform renting in England.
Key measures include:
- abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions – landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason from 1 May 2026, giving renters greater security and reducing the risk of homelessness
- transition to periodic tenancies – fixed-term contracts will be replaced with rolling tenancies, allowing tenants to give two months’ notice at any time.
- stronger protections for renters – including limits on rent increases (once per year, with two months’ notice), a ban on rental bidding wars, and a new right to request pets
- updated Rent Repayment Orders – enforcement powers have been strengthened, allowing councils to reclaim rent from landlords who breach legal obligations
- decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law – extended to the private sector, requiring landlords to address serious hazards like damp and mould within set timeframes
- new Ombudsman and Property Portal – a national database and redress scheme will improve transparency and accountability