A number of changes that will affect millions of people in the UK who rent a property from a landlord
Some major changes are coming for millions across the UK (stock image)(Image: Getty )
Significant alterations will come into effect from the beginning of next month, impacting millions of individuals throughout the UK who lease accommodation from a landlord. From May 1, 2026, both tenants and landlords will be subject to new rules and regulations under the Renters’ Rights Act.
It represents the most substantial overhaul of the private rental market in decades. On social media, the official Gov.uk account has published details of the forthcoming modifications people need to be aware of, reports the Express.
In a fresh update issued on April 30, Gov.uk said: “Five key changes for tenants from 1st May 2026. The new Renters’ Rights Act means: Landlords can no longer evict tenants through no-fault evictions – they need a valid reason.”
It continues: “No more bidding wars – landlords can’t ask for more than the advertised rent price. Landlords can only ask for a maximum of one month’s rent upfront.
“Landlords can’t just say no to pets – they must consider requests reasonably. No more fixed-term tenancy contracts. Rolling contracts will give more flexibility.”
A statement on the Gov.uk website reads: “Reform of the sector is long overdue, and we will act where previous governments have failed. While the majority of landlords provide a good service, the private rented sector currently provides the least affordable, poorest quality and most insecure housing of all tenures.
“Millions of people in England live day in, day out with the knowledge that they and their families could be uprooted from their home with little notice and minimal justification, and a significant minority of them are forced to live in substandard properties for fear that a complaint would lead to an instant retaliatory eviction.”
What does an overview of the Act’s measures look like?
- Abolish section 21 evictions and move to a simpler tenancy structure
- Ensure possession grounds are fair to both parties
- Provide stronger protections against backdoor eviction
- Introduce a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman
- Create a Private Rented Sector Database
- Give tenants strengthened rights to request a pet in the property
- Apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector
- Apply ‘Awaab’s Law’ to the sector
- Make it illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children
- End the practice of rental bidding by prohibiting landlords and agents from asking for or accepting offers above the advertised rent.
- Strengthen local authority enforcement
- Strengthen rent repayment orders
The reforms mean tenants throughout Britain will stand a better chance of securing accommodation that welcomes pets from May 1, when the Renters’ Rights Act takes effect. The new legislation requires landlords to assess pet applications individually, making sweeping prohibitions considerably more difficult to enforce.
This amendment addresses a persistent challenge facing renters. Data from Rover.com, an online marketplace for pet care, shows that more than a third (34%) of tenants report having previously lost out on accommodation due to owning a pet, while numerous others have faced additional charges averaging £288 purely to house their animals.
With the Renters’ Rights Act being implemented this week, a new consumer analysis from Rightmove indicates that while knowledge of the forthcoming rental regulations is widespread, many tenants remain uncertain about how the new provisions will affect them personally.
A survey of 1,087 renters has revealed a significant divide between awareness and comprehension. While nearly three quarters (73%) of respondents said they were already aware that rental legislation was due to change, more than a third (37%) admitted they lacked confidence in fully understanding their rights as the new regulations take effect.
The findings indicate that uncertainty is especially prevalent amongst younger renters aged 18-34. More than a third (35%) of renters within this age bracket said they were not confident in the grasp of their rights, with many describing their experience of renting as uncertain (38%) or stressful (31%).
