Renters' Rights Act One Month On: New Tenant Protections Now in Full Effect
Three months after the Renters' Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026, tenants now have permanent protection from no-fault evictions. Section 21 is abolished, rents can only rise once yearly, and landlords must provide legal grounds for any eviction.
Historic reform reshapes the rental landscape
Section 21 evictions, also known as 'no fault' evictions, were abolished on 1 May 2026. Instead, you are required by law to serve a Section 8 notice and provide specific reasons for wanting to take possession of your property.
This overturns decades of landlord-favouring law. These changes will affect 11 million renters and 2.3 million landlords across England.
Key protections now in place
From 1 May 2026, your private landlord cannot give you a section 21 eviction notice. This means most 'no fault' evictions have ended. As of 1 May 2026 if you want to increase the rent from one rent period to another, you'll need to serve a Section 13 notice and give tenants the opportunity to challenge the rent increase if they think it's unfair. Rent can only be increased once per year, and you will have the right to challenge unfair increases.
If you signed a fixed term agreement before 1 May 2026, it is now an assured periodic tenancy. This means it is a rolling tenancy with no set end date. You have better protection from eviction because your landlord needs a reason to evict you.
If you're renting as an expat or international student: You now have significantly stronger legal standing. Your landlord cannot evict you arbitrarily—they must prove cause (unpaid rent, anti-social behaviour, property sale, etc.). If your landlord tries to raise rent unfairly, you can challenge it via formal notice. Keep all communications with your landlord in writing and familiarise yourself with your Section 8 rights (available at gov.uk).
Sources
MyHAbroad is an independent app and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any government or public authority. This is general information only — not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Always verify with the official source before acting:
