Stronger protections and clearer rules for renters. Here is what is changing and what it means for you.
The Renters’ Rights Act is the biggest change to private renting in over thirty years, and almost all of it is good news for tenants. It gives you more security in your home, fairer treatment and clearer rules.
Here is a plain-English summary of what is changing. As your letting agent, we are here to help you understand your rights at every stage of your tenancy.
Phase 1 begins: no-fault evictions end and the new tenancy structure starts.
Your landlord must give every named tenant the Government Information Sheet.
A national landlord database and a new Ombudsman service begin to roll out.
Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law extend to private rented homes.
From 1 May 2026 your landlord can no longer ask you to leave using a Section 21 “no-fault” notice. They now need a valid legal reason to seek possession, such as selling the property or moving back in, which gives you far more security in your home.
Fixed-term tenancies are ending and all tenancies become rolling (periodic). You are no longer tied in for a fixed six or twelve months, and you can end your tenancy whenever you need to by giving two months’ notice.
Your rent can only be increased once a year, and your landlord must give you at least two months’ notice. If you think an increase is above the going market rate, you can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal.
Landlords and agents must advertise a fixed asking rent and cannot ask for or accept offers above it. No more being pushed into a bidding war to secure a home.
You have a strengthened right to request a pet, and your landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. They cannot require you to take out pet insurance or charge you for it, though you may choose to arrange cover for potential damage.
Blanket bans on renting to people who receive benefits or who have children are now unlawful. You should be assessed on your individual circumstances, not ruled out by a “No DSS” or “No Children” policy.
The Decent Homes Standard will apply to private rentals, so your home must meet minimum standards for condition, heating and repair. Under Awaab’s Law, landlords must investigate and fix serious hazards such as damp and mould within set timescales.
A new Ombudsman service will give you an independent, free route to resolve disputes with your landlord without going to court. A national landlord database will also let you check that your landlord is registered and compliant.
We manage every tenancy to the latest standards, so renting with us is straightforward and fair:
Our team is always happy to talk things through. Get in touch or browse our available homes across Norwich.
Read this as a plain-English overview rather than legal advice. The Act is coming in stages and the detail can still change, so talk to us or to an independent adviser about anything specific to your own tenancy.