From 1 May 2026, landlords and people renting privately will see further changes under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. These changes are designed to give people more stability in privately rented homes and to make responsibilities clearer for everyone involved in the private rented sector.
What landlords and tenants need to prepare for
The key changes include an end to Section 21 “no‑fault” evictions, the move to Assured Periodic Tenancies for all renters, limits on rent increases to once a year, a new right for tenants to reasonably request a pet, a cap of one month’s rent payable upfront and a requirement for tenants to give two months' notice to end their tenancy.
Other reforms are being introduced in stages, and further requirements will follow later in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Detailed guidance on what’s changing, what action landlords need to take, and how to prepare is available here.
Landlords with existing tenants are obligated to share an official information leaflet explaining the new rules, helping ensure everyone is clear about their rights and responsibilities by 31 May 2026.
What tenants need to know
From 1 May, tenants in private rented properties will begin to see clearer protections and easier ways to raise concerns. These early changes are intended to:
- Increase stability for people renting privately
- Ensure issues such as repairs, damp, and mould are dealt with more quickly
- Improve access to reliable information about rights and responsibilities
More detailed guidance for tenants has been published here. If you’re worried about your housing situation, our teams and local advice partners are here to help.
A council spokesperson said: “The changes are significant and mark an important first step in improving safety, quality and transparency in private renting. Our priority is to make sure tenants understand their rights and landlords have the support they need to meet the new legal duties they must meet.
“We’ll continue sharing clear, practical guidance over the coming months so that residents and landlords feel well‑informed as further parts of the Act come into force. This is a proactive step to try and prevent avoidable offences that will lead to penalties under this new law.”
The rollout of the Renters’ Rights Act will continue through 2026, 2027 and 2028. By preparing early, landlords can avoid unnecessary issues, and tenants can feel more confident about their homes.
Information will continue to be shared through our web pages, The NRLA and local advice services such as Citizens Advice.