The most historic changes to private renting in England now give 11 million tenants landmark new rights and protections that will transform their experiences
This huge new package in force from today (1 May 2026) includes the highly anticipated ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – ending the practice of evicting tenants without justification which will give renters greater security and help prevent homelessness.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
Other changes will protect renters’ pockets by limiting rent increases to once a year and upfront rent demands to just one month’s payment. Bidding wars are now banned, so no one has to battle it out with high offers to secure a place and tenants can challenge unreasonable rent hikes.
Renters now have the flexibility to end any tenancy with no more than two months’ notice, as fixed-term agreements become invalid from today.
It is now also illegal to discriminate against prospective tenants for being on benefits or having children and pet requests must be reasonably considered.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:
These new laws come with heftier penalties of up to £40k if they are broken and rogue landlords can no longer hide, as councils’ new powers under the Renters’ Rights Act kick in to investigate and clamp down harder.
Alongside boosted funding for councils to oversee the Act and take robust enforcement action, the courts are being digitalised to help tenants and landlords access justice, with millions being invested to simplify processes.
Generation Rent’s Chief Executive Ben Twomey said:
Clara Collingwood, Director at the Renters’ Reform Coalition, said:
Crisis Chief Executive Matt Downie said:
How Have Renters’ Rights Improved?
Section 21 ‘No-Fault’ Evictions
Private landlord possession claims using the Section 21 process that are going through the courts on the commencement date will proceed as normal.
After 1 May 2026, the courts will still be able to process Section 21 possessions that are ongoing, for example:
Further Commentary
Dogs Trust Pet Friendly Housing Lead, Jennifer Leonard, said:
Joanna Elson, CBE, Chief Executive at Independent Age said:
Seyi Obakin, chief executive of leading youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, said:
Amira Campbell, National Union of Students President said:
David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said:
Emma Haddad, CEO at St Mungo’s:
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