The Renters’ Rights Act is changing how renting properties works in England. It aims to give renters more security.Ìý
Not all changes will happen at the same time. When they apply depends on the type of home you live in.Ìý
What is the Renters’ Rights Act?Ìý
The ActÌýwill ensureÌý
- No‑faultÌýevictions will end – landlords must have a legal reason to end a tenancyÌý
- Fixed‑termÌýtenancies will move to rolling tenanciesÌý
- Rent can only be increased once a yearÌý
- Rental bidding will be banned – the advertised rent must be the rent offeredÌý
Tenants can ask to keep a pet, and requests must be considered fairly.ÌýSome changes start from May 2026, while others apply later for social and affordable housing, from October 2027.
Government guidance and resources
A number of guidance documents are available on GOV.UK in accessible formats:
We’ll keep this page updated.
We’llÌýupdate this page as further guidance is confirmed. If you have questions, please contact us.Ìý
Renters’ Rights Frequently Asked Questions
A helpful guide to Renters’ Rights:
What do we mean by “market rent�, “social� and “affordable� housing?
We know these terms can be confusing, soÌýhere’sÌýwhat they mean.Ìý
Market‑rentÌýhomesÌý
Market‑rentÌýhomes are:Ìý
- Owned by a housing associationÌý
- Rented at open market prices,Ìýsimilar toÌýprivate rentingÌý
- Usually advertised online and let in the same way as private homesÌý
- NotÌýallocatedÌýthrough a housing waiting listÌý
If you live in aÌýmarket‑rentÌýhome, your tenancy is treated like private renting under the Renters’ Rights Act.Ìý
Most changes apply from May 2026.Ìý
Social and affordable housing homesÌý
Social and affordable housing homes are:Ìý
- Owned by a housing associationÌý
- Rented atÌýbelow‑marketÌýpricesÌý
- This includes social rent and affordable rent homesÌý
- UsuallyÌýallocatedÌýthrough a waiting list or council nominations processÌý
- Often provideÌýlonger‑termÌýhousing securityÌý
If you live in social or affordable housing, the Renters’ Rights Act changes apply later, from October 2027.
When do changes apply?
From May 2026Ìý
- People renting from private landlordsÌý
- Customers living inÌýmarket‑rentÌýhomes owned by housing associationsÌý
From October 2027Ìý
- Customers living in social and affordable housing with an assured tenancyÌý
Until October 2027, there are no changes for social and affordable housing tenancies.Ìý
What will change for market‑rent customers?
From May 2026:Ìý
- No-faultÌýevictions will end – landlords must have a legal reason to end a tenancyÌý
- Fixed‑termÌýtenancies will move to rolling tenanciesÌý
- Rent can only be increased once a yearÌý
- Rental bidding will be banned – the advertised rent must be the rent offeredÌý
- Tenants can ask to keep a pet, and requests must be considered fairlyÌý
What is a rolling tenancy?
A rolling tenancy is one that does not have a fixed end date.Ìý
Instead of ending after a set number of months, it:Ìý
- Continues month to monthÌý
- Stays in place until the tenant or landlord gives noticeÌý
- Gives tenants greater security and flexibilityÌý
What will change for social and affordable housing customers?
From October 2027:Ìý
- Fixed‑termÌýassured tenancies will move to rolling tenanciesÌý
- Landlords must tell tenants about their new rightsÌý
- Changes will link to updates to national housing standardsÌý
There are no changes before October 2027 for social and affordable housing customers.
Do I need to do anything now?
No action is needed.Ìý
We will contact youÌýbefore any changes affect your tenancy and explain:Ìý
- What is changingÌý
- When it appliesÌý
- What it means for youÌý
Not sure what type of home you live in?
IfÌý²â´Ç³Ü’r±ðÌýunsure whether your home is market rent or social or affordable housing, please contact us andÌý·É±ð’l±ôÌýconfirm.Ìý