Renters’ rights are changing: what the new Renters’ Rights Act means for you.

For years, renters and landlords have frequently found themselves at odds.

Many renters have felt that their housing situation could change at any moment, as landlords may sell or move back into the property, leaving tenants uncertain about their future.

In recent years, there has also been growing attention on poor living conditions in rented homes.

Issues such as mould, damp and delayed repairs have made headlines, and too often tenants have been left to live in unsafe conditions or spend their own money fixing problems in a property that is not their own.

This is now set to change with the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, a landmark piece of legislation designed to protect tenants and make renting fairer across England.

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Section 21

The Act will abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, meaning landlords will need to provide a valid reason to evict a tenant.

The goal is to create more secure homes and a more balanced relationship between landlords and tenants as part of the government’s plan for change.

What new rights do renters have under the Renters’ Rights Act?

Rent increases

• Rent can only be increased once a year.
• Landlords cannot raise rent within the first 12 months of a tenancy.
• Two months’ notice must be given before any increase.
• Rent can only be increased to the local market rate.#

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Bidding wars

• Bidding wars will no longer be allowed.
• Tenants cannot be asked to pay more than the advertised price.

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Protection from discrimination

• It will be illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants with children or those who receive benefits.
• Landlords and agents can still carry out affordability checks before approving a tenant.

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Pet ownership

• Tenants will have the right to request to keep pets, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.

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Tenancy agreements

• Fixed-term assured tenancies will be replaced with rolling contracts.
• Tenants will be able to end their tenancy at any time by giving two months’ notice.

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Repairs and mould

• Landlords must now act within set timeframes for repairs:
  • Mould or damp issues: must be resolved within 48 hours.
  • Emergency exit or safety issues: must be resolved within 24 hours.

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The Renters’ Rights Act is expected to come into effect in early to mid-2026 and represents one of the most significant changes to the rental market in decades.

This is an important step towards creating fairer, safer and more secure renting across England, ensuring that everyone can have a home they feel safe and confident in.

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Final thoughts

The Renters’ Rights Act marks a major shift in the property market and will reshape the way renting works across England.

By giving tenants more security and ensuring landlords meet their responsibilities, the new legislation aims to create a fairer and more balanced rental system for everyone.

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At Estatio, we welcome these changes and see them as a positive step forward for both renters and landlords. Clearer rules and fairer rights mean more confidence on both sides, helping to build stronger, more trusting relationships.

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If you are a landlord or tenant and want to understand how these changes may affect you, contact Estatio today. Our team is ready to provide expert advice and guide you through the new rental landscape.

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Telephone: 0800 779 7791

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