New rights for renters
New Government legislation is in force from 1 May 2026, giving additional rights to 11 million people in rented accommodation across England.
The Renter’s Rights Act is intended to give renters stronger rights, better protections and more security in their homes.
From 1 May 2026, the following applies:
- The end of Section 21 “no fault” evictions – any eviction will need a valid reason.
- The End of Fixed-Term Tenancies – All private tenancies become rolling, periodic tenancies, which tenants can end by giving two months’ notice.
- Upfront Rent is capped at one month’s rent. This ensures a stop to large payments but does not impact deposits.
- Protection from Unfair Rent Rises – Rental increases will only be allowed once a year, with tenants able to challenge rental increases perceived as ‘unfair’. This will be done through an external watchdog.
- Unfair discrimination when advertising a property – landlords won’t be able to specify ‘no children or families on benefits.
- A tenant will also be able to request to have a pet, something that cannot be ‘unreasonably’ denied.
Local Authorities have been given stronger powers to crack down on landlords who break any of these new rules.
Landlords can still get their property back for clear reasons, such as selling up, moving in, or dealing with rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
The changes aim to strike a fair balance between renters and landlords, making the system more stable, safer and easier to understand.
The Government also wants to crack down on unscrupulous landlords and improve the quality of homes in the private rented sector. By 2027, a database of private landlords will be created to help landlords understand their obligations. A Private Landlord Ombudsman will also be created to help renters resolve complaints against landlords quickly and fairly.
New responsibilities for landlords
Ultimately, landlords will play a key role in delivering the reforms introduced under the Act.
The Government wants to ensure that all landlords act to the highest standards and raise awareness of the Act and its new responsibilities for landlords, so they do not fall foul of the changes.
In addition to the changes listed above, there are also changes to how a landlord sells a property. Under the Act, the landlord must give four months’ notice of a sale, which cannot happen within the first 12 months of a rental period. The landlord cannot then relet the property for 12 months.
And in future, for the first time, private landlords must meet the Decent Homes Standard, ensuring properties are:
- Safe and well-maintained.
- Free from serious hazards, e.g. damp, faulty wiring.
- Fit for human habitation.
The Act will also extend Awaab's Law to the private sector, requiring landlords to address serious issues like damp and mould within set timeframes. Read more information about Awaab's Law.
The intention of this act is not to punish landlords but to ensure adherence to high standards. The intention is to have a balance between landlords and tenants and ensure that landlords maintain high standards and provide decent, safe and affordable homes for renters.
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to make yourself aware of the rules introduced under the Act. There is specific information for landlords here.
You can find out more about the Renters’ Rights Act here.
You’ll find more information and answers to commonly asked questions on the Government’s website.
Who to contact
If you are a tenant seeking advice relating to your rental property or experience with a private landlord, please fill in our online form here. Alternatively, call Knowsley Housing Solutions on 0151 433 3333.
If you are a landlord seeking advice about your responsibilities, contact Environmental Health by emailing: Environmental.Health@knowsley.gov.uk.