Renters Rights Act Bans No-Fault Evictions

The Renters Rights Act came into force on May 1, 2026, banning no-fault evictions and transforming tenancy agreements for approximately 11 million private renters across England, while imposing new obligations on landlords.

Under the legislation, Section 21 notices, which previously allowed landlords to evict tenants without cause after two months, are abolished. Landlords must now provide a valid reason, such as selling the property, moving in themselves or a family member, three months of rent arrears, antisocial behaviour or tenancy breaches. Most cases require four months' notice, and evictions within the first 12 months of a tenancy are prohibited except for serious breaches. Courts must approve possession if tenants do not leave voluntarily. All existing and new tenancies convert to periodic rolling agreements with no fixed end date, allowing tenants to leave with two months' notice at any time.

Rent increases are limited to once per year, with two months' notice via a formal Section 13 notice. Tenants can challenge hikes deemed above market rate at a tribunal, which may defer increases for hardship. Landlords must advertise a fixed rent and cannot accept bids above it,...