Renters' rights - tenants
The main changes
| Before 1 May 2026 | After 1 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| You can be given a Section 21 eviction notice for no reason. | Your landlord will need a legal reason to evict you with a Section 8 notice. |
| There are no limits on rent in advance. | Your landlord can only ask for one month’s rent in advance. |
| Your landlord might pressure you to agree to a rent increase at any time. | Your landlord can only put the rent up once a year. They must give at least two months’ notice. |
| You might have a fixed term tenancy which makes it hard to leave early. | You will have a periodic tenancy which makes it easier to leave by giving notice. |
| You can often give one month’s notice to end a periodic assured shorthold tenancy (AST). | You will need to give at least two months’ notice to end a periodic assured tenancy. |
| Your landlord can refuse permission for you to have a pet. They do not need a reason. | You will have the right to ask your landlord for permission to keep a pet. Your landlord will only be able to say no if they have a good reason. |
Lodgers living with a landlord
Your rights will not change if you’re a lodger who lives with your landlord.
Further information
Additional information is available on Gov.UK.