11MUK renters now protected by the new law
£40kMax fine for a non-compliant landlord
2 monthsNotice a landlord must give before raising rent
4.6MPrivate rental properties in England now covered

The Renters' Rights Act 2026

What changed on 1 May 2026.

The biggest shake-up of English rental law in a generation. Here is what every tenant and landlord now needs to know.

Section 21 abolished

No-fault evictions are gone. Your landlord can only ask you to leave for specific reasons listed under Section 8.

One rent rise per year

Landlords can raise rent no more than once every 12 months and must give at least 2 months' notice using Form 4.

Pets harder to refuse

Landlords must have a genuine reason to refuse a pet. Blanket 'no pets' clauses are now unenforceable.

No upfront rent demands

Asking for more than one month's rent upfront when starting a new tenancy is now illegal.

Benefit discrimination banned

Refusing a tenancy solely because an applicant receives housing benefit is now a criminal offence.

Ombudsman for everyone

Every private landlord must register with the new PRS Ombudsman — giving tenants a free route to formal redress.

Your rights are live.
Use them.

Check a rent increase, log a repair, or open your landlord compliance dashboard — no account needed to get started.

Tenant Rights — Know your rights. Stay compliant.