Renters' Rights Act | Carvels Lettings Norwich

The Renters’ Rights Act reshapes private renting in England, with stronger protections for tenants and new responsibilities for landlords and letting agents. It is being introduced in phases through 2026 and beyond.

Whether you let property or rent your home, we have set out the headline changes below, then created dedicated guides for landlords and tenants.

At a glance

Section 21 “no-fault” evictions end, landlords need a valid reason to seek possession
Fixed terms are replaced by rolling periodic tenancies
Rent can rise once a year, with at least two months’ notice and a right to challenge
Rental bidding is banned, properties must advertise a fixed asking rent
Tenants gain a strengthened right to request a pet
Blanket bans on benefits or children become unlawful
The Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law extend to private rentals
A new Ombudsman and a national landlord database are introduced

Key dates

1 May 2026

Phase 1: Section 21 abolished and the new tenancy structure begins.

31 May 2026

Deadline to provide the Government Information Sheet to every named tenant.

Late 2026

Phase 2: the PRS Landlord Database and Landlord Ombudsman roll-out begins.

2027 to 2028

Phase 3: the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law extended to the sector.

Read the detail

Choose the guide that applies to you for a fuller explanation of what is changing and what to do.

For Landlords

Compliance dates, possession grounds, rent rules and how we help you stay ahead.

Landlord Guide

For Tenants

Your stronger protections, fairer rent rules and what the changes mean for you.

Tenant Guide

This is background reading, not legal advice. The Act lands in stages and the detail can still move, so get independent advice on anything that affects you personally.