RENTERS RIGHTS ACT 2025 -- SECTION 21 ABOLISHED FROM 1 MAY 2026 -- 24 DAYS TO GO

Housing Law

The Renters Rights Act 2025.
What It Means for You.

Section 21 no-fault evictions are abolished from 1 May 2026. Every private tenant in England gains new rights. Every landlord must adapt. Here is what changes and what you need to do right now.

warning Received a Section 8 Notice? Start Here
What Changes on 1 May 2026

The Six Changes That Affect Every Tenancy

All tenancies -- new and existing -- move to the new rules on the same date.

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Section 21 Abolished

No-fault evictions are gone. Landlords must prove a specific statutory ground in court to recover possession. Every eviction requires a hearing.

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All Tenancies Become Periodic

Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies are abolished. All existing ASTs convert automatically to rolling monthly tenancies. No new fixed terms can be granted.

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Rent Increases Capped at Once Per Year

Landlords can only raise rent once every 12 months using the formal Section 13 procedure. Tenants can challenge any increase at the First-tier Tribunal.

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Right to Keep Pets

Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a request to keep a pet. They must respond within 28 days. Blanket no-pets clauses are unenforceable.

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Section 8 Is Now the Only Route

Section 8 possession notices require specific grounds, notice periods, and a court hearing. Every claim must be proved. The accelerated route is abolished.

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Protection from Discrimination

Landlords cannot refuse tenants because they receive benefits or have children. Rental bidding above the asking price is banned. Upfront rent capped at one month.

Urgent Help

Received a Section 8 Notice?
Here Is What to Do.

A Section 8 notice is not an eviction order. You do not have to leave. The landlord must go to court and prove their case. You have the right to attend and defend. Get the step-by-step action pack now.

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Read: What to Do If You Receive a Section 8 Notice
Free guide -- step by step
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Free Articles

Everything You Need to Know

Five articles covering every aspect of the Renters Rights Act 2025. Free. Written by a solicitor.

Renters Rights Act 2025
Section 21 Abolished: What It Means for Tenants and Landlords

Section 21 no-fault evictions end on 1 May 2026. Everything that changes and what you must do now.

Housing LawRead more
Section 8 Notices
Section 8 Notices in 2026: The New Rules

Section 8 is now the only eviction route. How the grounds work, notice periods, and what tenants can do.

Housing LawRead more
Tenant Guide
I Have Received a Section 8 Notice: What You Must Do Now

A Section 8 notice is not an eviction order. You do not have to leave. Here is exactly what to do.

Housing LawRead more
Rent Increases
How to Challenge a Rent Increase at the First-tier Tribunal

Landlords can only raise rent once per year from May 2026. Tenants can challenge at tribunal.

Housing LawRead more
Tenant Rights
Your Rights as a Tenant from 1 May 2026: A Plain-English Summary

Security of tenure, pets, no bidding wars, rent caps. Everything you gain from the Renters Rights Act.

Housing LawRead more
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