Renters' rights

The Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) is new legislation which aims to make renting a home fair and safe for everyone. The act will be introduced in three phases.

Upcoming changes

Many of the changes are happening from 1 May 2026 and include:

• End 'no-fault' evictions so landlords can't force tenants to move out for no reason
• End to fixed-term tenancies which makes it easier for tenants to stay in their home or give notice to leave when they want to
• Limit rent increases to just once per year to keep costs more predictable
• Ban on 'bidding wars' by stopping landlords from accepting offers higher than the advertised rent
• Make it illegal to refuse renters just because they have children or receive government support
• Give tenants the right to request a pet, which landlords can only refuse for a good reason
• Give local councils more power to fine landlords who break the law or mistreat tenants

Further information

To find out more:

• Read the Guide to the Renters' Rights Act on GOV.UK
• Read Shelter’s advice  

For more information on property licensing, HMO standards and disrepair visit our private housing tenants pages.