The Renters' Rights Act 2026 comes into effect today, May 1, introducing the most significant overhaul of the private rented sector in decades. The legislation brings five key changes that will impact millions of tenants and landlords across the UK.
No-Fault Evictions Banned
Landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason. Section 21 'no-fault' evictions are abolished, meaning landlords must provide a legitimate cause, such as rent arrears or property sale, to end a tenancy.
Bidding Wars Outlawed
Landlords are prohibited from asking for rent above the advertised price. This ends bidding wars that have driven up rental costs, ensuring transparency and fairness in the rental market.
Reduced Upfront Costs
Tenants will benefit from lower upfront payments. Landlords can only request a maximum of one month's rent in advance, reducing the financial burden on renters moving into a new property.
Pet-Friendly Rules
Landlords must reasonably consider requests from tenants to keep pets. They cannot simply say no without justification. This change addresses the difficulty faced by pet owners, as over a third of tenants have previously been denied properties due to pets, with many facing surcharges averaging £288, according to Rover.com.
Rolling Contracts Replace Fixed Terms
Fixed-term tenancy contracts are replaced with rolling contracts, giving renters greater flexibility to move with shorter notice periods. This change aims to reduce the feeling of being trapped in unsuitable properties.
Despite high awareness of the new rights, a Rightmove survey of 1,087 renters found that more than a third are not confident they fully understand their rights. Young renters aged 18-34 are particularly uncertain, with many describing their rental experience as stressful. The government stated that 'reform of the sector is long overdue' as millions currently live with the fear of being uprooted from their homes with minimal justification.
