US EditionEverything Tenants Need to Know as New Renters’ Rights Come Into Force
The law replaces fixed-term contracts with rolling tenancies and limits rent rises, giving England’s 12 million renters stronger protections.
- On Friday, May 1, 2026, the Renters' Rights Act came into force across England, officially abolishing 'no-fault' Section 21 evictions for the country's 12 million renters.
- After more than 10 years of organizing by the renters union ACORN, the legislation marks the biggest overhaul of the private housing sector in a generation.
- All new tenancies are now Assured Periodic Tenancies, meaning fixed-term contracts are scrapped, while landlords must use a Section 8 notice with a valid legal reason for any evictions.
- By May 31, landlords must serve the 'Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026' to existing tenants, while rent increases are capped at once per year with two months' notice.
- While the Act includes exceptions for student housing, evidence suggests new regulations have encouraged some landlords to sell properties, potentially affecting the private rental market.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Renters union Acorn welcomes new rights for tenants
From 1 May 2026, the law changes, giving more protection for England’s 12 million renters. Renters union Acorn issues statement: After more than 10 years of organising and taking action, together we have won the biggest change to renters’ rights in a generation. From stopping evictions on our streets, to marching on rogue landlords and letting agents, to forcing councils and politicians to act, ACORN has organised at every level to win this chan…
Yes, the government should freeze rents – and develop a plan for long-term rent controls
By UNISON general secretary Andrea Egan For millions of renters, the new protections starting today under Renters’ Rights Act represent something that has been missing from housing policy for far too long: the idea that people deserve security, dignity and stability in the place they call home. After years of campaigning by tenants, trade unions and housing activists, the end of no-fault evictions and stronger rights for renters are genuinely we…
Labour will regret the Renters' Rights Act
There were celebrations across the Labour frontbench as the Renters’ Rights Act came into force today. That won’t last for long, writes Ben Hopkinson Swedish economist Assar Lindbeck famously called rent control “the most efficient technique presently known to destroy a city – except for bombing”. Somebody must have communicated this to No 10 and the Housing Ministry last week, given how quickly they shut down the rumours that Rachel Reeves was …
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