Renters’ Rights Act – Information Sheet 2026

The Renters Right Act, effective 1 May 2026, introduces new regulations for Landlords whilst tenants will have new rights implemented. It is important to understand the main changes within this Act listed below.

Landlord serving notice before 1 May 2026.
If your Landlord has served you notice seeking possession under a Section 8 or Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, the changes in the new regulations may not apply to your tenancy. This could result in your landlord reserving the right to take you to court to terminate your tenancy.

Abolish Fixed Term Agreements. Assured Shorthold Tenancy will turn to Assured Periodic Tenancy.

Commencing 1 May 2026 all fixed term tenancy agreements will automatically turn into a rolling contract periodically. It will no longer be possible to have a fixed term or confirm a set end date. Therefore, if your tenancy was confirmed before the implementation of the Act, your end date will be removed.

Your tenancy will continue as a rolling basis. This is normally a monthly basis, unless specified otherwise on your tenancy agreement, for instance weekly.

The tenancy agreement will continue until either both the Landlord and you agree to end the tenancy; notice has been served by you or your landlord terminates it due to a valid legal reason.

Section 21 Evictions Will No Longer Apply

Landlords will no longer be able to serve a Section 21 from 1 May 2026. Your landlord can only evict you on the basis they have a legal reason.

The main reasons this can include are:

1. Failure to pay rent on time
2. Antisocial Behaviour committed by the tenant or visitors either in or near the property
3. The property has not been cared for
4. Connections of your tenancy with employment or temporary accommodation

Landlords will not be able to evict within the first 12 months under the below grounds:

1. The Landlord wishes to sell the property
2. The Landlord or their family member decides to move into the property

Right To Request Pets

Tenants will now be granted permission to request to keep a pet. The Landlord can only refuse in writing, given a reasonable ground.

Section 8

If your Landlord decides to seek possession, they will need to serve a Section 8 with legal ground and evidence. Within each ground the Landlord must provide the appropriate notice period. Should you wish to not leave, your landlord can take matters to the court.

Tenant Wishing to Leave

Should you wish to end your tenancy you must provide this in writing whereby the end date is when the rent is due or the penultimate day the rent is due.

The notice period given will need to be 2 months as a minimum unless otherwise agreed between all tenants and the landlord in writing.

Full details can be found on GOV.UK for this Act.

Blog written by Sonia Kanda, Lettings Consultant, City Centre Office.