Huge law change for tenants begins on May 1 and ‘ends fixed terms’ | Personal Finance | Finance
Tenants are getting more protection (Image: Fabio Camandona via Getty Images)
With just a fortnight until the initial phase of the Renters’ Rights Act takes effect, tenants throughout England are poised to witness substantial modifications to how tenancies operate and the protections available to them. From May 1, 2026, the fresh legislation will introduce comprehensive reforms intended to deliver enhanced stability, clearer entitlements and reinforced safeguards for those residing in the private rental sector.
Propertymark, the professional body for estate agents, explained that one of the most notable changes was the end of ‘no-fault’ evictions. This means renters can no longer be asked to leave a property without a valid reason.
Rather, tenants will benefit from increased security, with the right to stay in their home unless particular legal grounds are met. Should a tenant opt to vacate, they will ordinarily need to give at least two months’ notice.
All tenancies will also transition to a rolling – periodic – arrangement, superseding fixed-term contracts. This aims to grant renters greater flexibility, enabling them to depart more readily without being locked into lengthy agreements. From May 1, it will be unlawful to have a fixed-term period at the commencement of a tenancy.
Clearer rules on when tenancies can end
Under the new system, landlords must rely on defined legal grounds to end a tenancy. These include circumstances such as serious rent arrears, the landlord needing to move into the property, or plans to sell. For renters, this means greater clarity and consistency around when and why a tenancy can be brought to an end.
The Renters’ Rights Act comes into effect soon (Image: Alamy/PA)
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Changes to rent and letting practices
The Act will also introduce new rules aimed at making renting fairer. Rent increases will be limited to once per year and will need to be issued through an official “Section 13” notice.
Rental bidding, where tenants are encouraged to offer more than the advertised rent, will be banned.
Stronger protections against discrimination will also be introduced, helping to ensure fair access to housing. These measures will also extend to Scotland on May 1 and in Wales on June 1.
Important dates for renters
As the changes come into force, there are key deadlines to be aware of. Any ‘no-fault’ eviction notices issued before May 1 can still proceed, but only if legal action begins before July 31.
By May 31, tenants must receive the UK Government’s Renters’ Rights information sheet, either as a printed document or a full digital copy.
What this means for renters
These reforms are anticipated to deliver increased stability and transparency to the rental sector, providing tenants with enhanced confidence regarding their rights and living arrangements, according to Propertymark, which is collaborating closely with the UK Government and its network of professional agents to facilitate the implementation of the new legislation.
As the new framework takes effect, renters may observe modifications in how their tenancy is organised and administered, alongside clearer communication concerning their rights and responsibilities.
