Renters rights are changing : what you need to know

New rules come in on 1 May 2026 and will change how renting works.

The big changes

• No more 'no fault' evictions (Section 21). Landlords will only be able to end a tenancy for specific legal reasons.
• All tenancies become periodic, meaning no fixed end date. You can stay as long as you need unless you give notice or your landlord has a valid reason to end the tenancy.
• Fairer renting. landlords can't refuse tenants because they have children or receive benefits.
• You can ask to have a pet, and your landlord must consider it reasonably.
• Rent protections. rent can only go up once a year, with two months' notice.
• No rental bidding or large upfront payments.

More changes, like a new landlord database, will follow later.

For more information visit the Public Protection Partnership website or visiting housinghub.campaign.gov.uk/renting-is-changing/

If you're worried about losing your home, contact our Housing Options Team: call 01635 519530 (option 2) or email housing@westberks.gov.uk