Renters' Rights Act

Here's our brief and visual introduction to the Renters Rights Act as way in to understanding this important piece of new legislation in the homelessness and housing sector. You'll be hearing more about it, and what it means in everyday life, in the coming months.

Graphic that gives an overview of the Renters Rights Act.

Overview

  • Became law in October 2025
  • Implementation timetable expected from Government (Anticipated to begin in May 2026)
  • Private Rental Sector Ombudsman service will be created

"We welcome the Renters’ Rights Act, a historic step forward to end unfair no fault evictions. For years, Section 21 notices have left renters living with persistent uncertainty and anxiety, knowing they could lose their home through no fault of their own. The constant threat of eviction impacts mental health raising stress, worsening depression, and destabilising families and communities.

But high rents and insecure incomes still put many at risk of homelessness. At Caring in Bristol, we know homelessness isn’t inevitable, it’s a policy choice. We’ll keep supporting people wherever they need us while calling on leaders to tackle the real systemic causes: poverty, inequality, and unaffordable housing." (Robin Adlem, our Head of Youth Services)

Infographic with key points on Renters

Impact on Rents

The Renters' Rights Act will mean landlords can only ask for a maximum of one month in upfront rent. Rent increases are allowed only once a year, and tenants have increased options for challenging unreasonable rent hikes. Under the Act, it is also illegal to accept offers above the asking rent; this is intended to stop bidding wars.

Section 21 evictions infographic, with main points tackled by Renters

Section 21 Evictions

Section 21 ("no fault") evictions have pushed up levels of homelessness, enabling unethical landlords to evict tenants who are prepared to pay higher rents or accept inadequate conditions. Evictions are still possible, but under specific conditions, and the notice period has increased from 2 to 4 months if the landlord sells the property or intends to move in. If they do move in, they can't relet the property for 12 months.

Renter

Tenancies

The Act converts fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies to rolling tenancies that auto-renew monthly. Tenants must give two months notice to quit.

Renters

Children, Benefits, and Discrimination

Tenants with children, or receiving benefits cannot be refused a tenancy because of these factors. The Act regards this as discrimination and has outlawed it. In addition, tenants with pets cannot be unreasonably refused.

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