Renting is changing – Renters’ Rights Act 2025
The government has introduced the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which makes important changes to private renting in England.
Most of the main changes come into force from 1 May 2026, with further changes introduced in stages after this.
You can read the latest government guidance here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act
Tenants
You are likely to have a tenancy if:
- You pay rent
- You have exclusive use of at least one room
- You can stop other people, including the landlord, entering your home
If you have a tenancy:
- Your landlord must give proper notice if they want you to leave
- They must apply to the court for a possession order if you do not leave
- They cannot force you out or change the locks – this may be illegal eviction or harassment
Changes to your rights (from May 2026)
No more ‘no fault’ evictions
Landlords can no longer evict tenants without a reason (Section 21 has ended).
They must use specific legal grounds, such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or wanting to sell the property.
Rolling (periodic) tenancies
Most tenancies are now rolling tenancies.
This means:
- There is no fixed end date
- You can usually leave with 2 months’ notice
- Your landlord can only end the tenancy using a legal process
Rent increases
- Rent can usually only be increased once per year
- Your landlord must follow a legal process
- You can challenge increases if you think they are too high
Pets
You can ask your landlord for permission to keep a pet.
They must consider your request properly and should only refuse if they have a good reason.
Licensees
If you are not a tenant, you will usually be a licensee.
This may apply if:
- You share accommodation with your landlord
- You are a lodger
- You are staying in a hostel or temporary accommodation
Licensees have fewer rights. In some cases, a landlord does not need a court order to ask you to leave, but you should still be given reasonable notice.
Types of tenancy (before May 2026)
(This section applies mainly to older tenancies that started before the new law came into force.)
Assured Tenancies
- You can only be evicted on specific legal grounds
- A court order is required
Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) – older tenancies
Before May 2026, this was the most common type of tenancy.
Under the new law:
- New tenancies are no longer ASTs
- Existing ASTs will move to the new periodic system
Older tenancies
Tenancies starting before 15 January 1989
These tenancies usually have stronger rights, including:
- Rent controls
- Greater protection from eviction
- Rights to pass on the tenancy
Tenancies starting between 1989 and 1997
These may still have different rules, particularly about rent and security.
Tenancies from 28 February 1997 to April 2026
Most of these were Assured Shorthold Tenancies.
These tenancies will now transition into the new system introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act.
If your landlord asks you to leave
- Check the notice carefully
- Do not leave your home straight away
- Seek advice as soon as possible
Your landlord must normally:
- Use the correct legal ground
- Give proper notice
- Get a court order
If your landlord tries to force you out, this may be an offence.
Get help and advice
If you:
- Receive an eviction notice
- Have problems with your landlord
- Are worried about losing your home
Please contact the Council immediately.
???? Call 01473 432000
???? Or contact the Housing Options Team
Further information
- Renters’ Rights Act guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act - Changes to renting (government overview):
https://housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/renting-is-changing/