The Renters’ Rights Act 2026, which goes into force today May 1, 2026, reforms English rental law by abolishing Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, banning fixed-term contracts in favor of rolling periodic tenancies, and prohibiting rental bidding wars. Landlords must use Section 8 for evictions, provide written terms, and limit rent increases to once yearly.
Key Changes to Tenancy Rules (From 1 May 2026)
No Fixed-Term Contracts: All Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) are replaced by periodic, rolling contracts with no set end date.
End of Section 21: “No-fault” evictions are abolished. Landlords must have valid legal grounds (Section 8) to terminate a tenancy.
Rental Bidding Ban: Landlords and agents must publish an asking rent and cannot invite or accept bids above that price.
Rent Payments: Rent increases are capped at once per year, restricted to market rates, and require a Section 13 notice.
Deposit/Rent in Advance: Landlords cannot take rent before a tenancy is signed.
Pets: Tenants have a right to request a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.
Actions for Existing Tenancies
Existing contracts become rolling agreements automatically, overriding any existing end-date clauses.
Landlords must provide tenants with the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 by May 31, 2026.
Landlords should review the Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act to ensure compliance.
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