The new Renters’ Rights Act came into effect on May 1, 2026, marking a pivotal change for the estimated 11 million renters across the country. This legislation abolishes no-fault evictions and introduces rolling tenancies, providing much-needed security for tenants in the private rented sector.
Prior to this act, many renters lived under the constant threat of eviction without reason. Chelsea Phillips, chair of Acorn, shared her relief: “For too long, renters have lived with the constant threat of eviction and rising rents.” The act addresses these issues head-on by eliminating Section 21 evictions, allowing tenants to stay in their homes without fear of sudden displacement.
As part of the new measures, all tenancies will now roll from month to month or week to week. This flexibility allows renters to make decisions that suit their lives better without being tied to long-term contracts. Additionally, landlords can only increase rent once a year and must adhere to the originally advertised price—no more bidding wars or unexpected hikes.
Key provisions of the Renters’ Rights Act include:
- The abolition of no-fault evictions under Section 21.
- Rent increases limited to once per year with a right for tenants to challenge unfair hikes.
- Landlords must consider requests from tenants wishing to live with pets.
Landlords also face stricter responsibilities. They can charge a maximum of one month’s rent upfront and cannot discriminate against tenants based on benefits or family status. These changes aim to foster a more equitable rental market. Ben Twomey, chief executive at Generation Rent, stated: “This new law is a vital step towards re-balancing power between renters and landlords and should be celebrated.”
However, some uncertainties linger regarding how these changes will be implemented. Tom Goodman from Goodlord expressed concerns about landlords’ reactions: “The Renters’ Rights Act aims to improve outcomes for tenants, but these findings show the scale of concern among landlords about how the changes will work in practice.”
Looking ahead, Phase 2 of the Renters’ Rights Act is set to launch in late 2026. This phase will introduce additional improvements such as a Private Rented Sector Database and a free complaints service for tenants. The government also plans to implement a Decent Homes Standard for privately rented properties by 2035.
The Renters’ Rights Act represents a significant shift in tenant protections after nearly 40 years without major reforms. With this act now in place, millions of renters can finally look forward to greater housing stability and fairness in their living conditions.
