Renters Reform - England

So, changes are afoot with residential lettings in England….

From 1st May 2026:

• No more ‘no-fault’ evictions - Landlords must have a valid reason to end the tenancy (e.g. selling, moving in, rent arrears or anti-social behaviour).

• No more fixed contracts - tenancies will be rolling contracts with no end date.

• Rent increase rules - rent can only be increased once a year.

• Advertising - landlords cannot ask more than the advertised rental figure.

• Rent upfront - limited to one month’s rent.

• No discrimination against those on benefits or with children.

• Pets welcome - landlords must fairly consider a tenant’s request.

From late 2026:

• A Private Rented Sector database - similar idea to that which is already in place in Wales to show that landlords are properly registered.

• Private Landlord Ombudsman - a complaints mechanism.

Also coming is a new Decent Homes Standard, new energy efficiency standards from 2030 and extending Awaab’s law to private rentals.