Key Rights for Tenants from 1 May 2026
Abolition of ‘No-Fault’ Evictions - No more section 21 notices
- Your landlord cannot give you a section 21 notice from 1 st May 2026.
- Tenants who meet their obligations under the tenancy agreement are entitled to remain in their homes without fear of unreasonable eviction.
Your landlord will still have right to evict using a Section 8 notice naming reasons such as:
- Moving back in
- Selling the property
- Unpaid rent
- Antisocial behaviour
Your landlord will still have discretionary grounds for eviction that include:
- Breach of tenancy terms
- Persistent late rent
- Deterioration of property due to tenant behaviour or neglect
If your landlord gives you a valid section 21 eviction notice before 1 st May, then the notice will still be valid, and your landlord may still gain possession of the property.
Replacement of Fixed-Term Tenancies
- All new and existing tenancies will become periodic (rolling) agreements from the 1 st May. There will no longer be an end date to your tenancy. If you wish to end the tenancy yourself, you will need to give 2 months’ notice to your landlord.
Simplified Tenancy Agreements
- Tenancy agreements will be standardised and written in plain language.
Enhanced Protection Against Discrimination
- Landlords may not discriminate against tenants based on their receipt of benefits or family status.
Limitations on Advance Rent Payments
- Landlords may request no more than one month’s rent in advance, in addition to a security deposit at the beginning of a new tenancy.
You will have the right to ask to keep a pet in your rented home
- Tenancy clauses that say you cannot have a pet will not apply after the law changes.
- Your landlord can only refuse pets in their property if they have a good reason such as animal wellbeing or the needs of existing tenants.
You will need to:
- write to your landlord to ask for permission
- include a description of the pet you plan to have
Once you have written asking for permission:
- Your landlord will normally have 4 weeks to reply in writing.
- They might ask for more information about the pet. They will have another week to write to you with their decision from when you send that information.
Revised Notice Periods for Eviction
These changes ensure that you the tenant have adequate time to secure alternative accommodation.
- The notice period varies depending on the grounds for eviction but most grounds for section 8 notice requires the notice period to be 4 months
The link below shows the grounds for possession and the notice periods from the Government website
Grounds for possession: guidance for landlords and letting agents - GOV.UK
Remember, if you wish to end your tenancy after 1st May, the notice period you must give your landlord will also increase to 2 months
Regulation of Rent Increases
- Your rent can only increase once a year and must follow a formal notice process – a section 13 notice.
- You may challenge excessive increases through a tribunal, particularly where such increases appear to be intended to force you out unlawfully.
Improved Housing Standards
- All rental properties must comply with the Decent Homes Standard. This includes being free from serious hazards, in a reasonable state of good repair, and equipped with modern facilities.
- Local authorities have enhanced powers to enforce these standards, and a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman will handle tenant complaints