Comes into force 1 May 2026

The Renters' Rights Act 2026
Is Coming. Are You Ready?

England's biggest shake-up of private renting in 30 years. Free, plain-English guidance to help every landlord stay compliant and informed.

Time until the Act comes into force

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11 million
Tenants affected
2.3 million
Private landlords in England
4.7 million
Private rented households
30+ years
Since last major reform

What Is It?

The Biggest Change to Renting in a Generation

The Renters' Rights Act overhauls the entire private rented sector in England. For landlords, it brings new legal obligations, new processes, and new risks of penalties — all of which you need to understand before 1 May 2026.

Section 21 'No-Fault' Evictions Abolished

Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without giving a valid reason. All evictions must use the new grounds-based system.

All Tenancies Become Periodic

Fixed-term tenancies are replaced with rolling periodic tenancies from day one. Tenants can leave with two months' notice at any point.

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Rent Increase Controls

Landlords can only raise rent once per year using a formal process. Tenants gain the right to challenge increases at a tribunal.

Strengthened Tenant Rights

New protections against illegal eviction, discrimination in letting, and retaliatory eviction, with higher penalties for landlords who breach them.

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Private Rented Sector Ombudsman

All landlords must register with a new national ombudsman scheme, giving tenants access to a free dispute resolution service.

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Mandatory Property Portal

A new government-backed property portal will require all landlords to register their properties and demonstrate compliance.

Implementation Timeline

Three Phases of Change

The Act rolls out in stages. Here's what happens when — and what you need to do to prepare.

Phase 1Complete
Royal Assent — 2025

Act Passes Into Law

  • The Renters' Rights Act receives Royal Assent
  • Government publishes statutory guidance for landlords
  • Transition period begins for landlords to prepare
  • Secondary legislation and regulations laid before Parliament
Phase 2Coming Soon
1 May 2026

Core Provisions In Force

  • Section 21 'no-fault' evictions abolished
  • All existing fixed-term tenancies converted to periodic
  • New mandatory possession grounds take effect
  • Rent increase rules and tribunal rights begin
Phase 3Late 2026–2027
Late 2026 onwards

Full Infrastructure Launches

  • Mandatory Property Portal opens for landlord registration
  • Private Rented Sector Ombudsman becomes operational
  • Decent Homes Standard extended to private sector
  • Enforcement and penalty regime fully active
Podcast — Launching Soon

The RentersRightsAct Podcast

Weekly expert interviews, real landlord case studies and penalty-avoidance stories. Free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

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Coming to:SpotifyApple PodcastsYouTube

First episodes planned

1

The End of Section 21: What Every Landlord Needs to Know

Housing Barrister

Soon
2

Inside the NRLA: The Landlord Body's Response to the Act

NRLA Policy Director

Soon
Visit Podcast Page

Free Registration

Stay One Step Ahead of the Law

Register free today and get everything you need to navigate the Renters' Rights Act with confidence. No legal jargon. No subscription. Just clear, practical guidance for private landlords.

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What you get free:

  • Plain-English guides to every section of the Act
  • Compliance checklist tailored to your portfolio
  • Email alerts when regulations are updated
  • Free tenancy agreement templates
  • Q&A with landlord law experts
  • First access to new tools and resources