What is the Renter Rights Act? 

The Renters Rights Act has introduced significant changes to tenants rights and the responsibilities of landlords. It was enacted on May 1st 2026 and aims to improve the lives of renters by reducing barriers and increasing the security of their tenancies.

Who does it affect?

The act affects tenants in assured tenancies, which is the most common form of tenancy. The bill does not affect council tenancies, lodgers and other forms of tenancy. This means that the majority of renters with a private landlord are affected by this act, but not all.

What's changed for tenants?

• No section 21 “no fault” evictions

• No rent bidding: Properties must be rented at their advertised price

• End of fixed term tenancies

  • All renters are now on a rolling tenancy with no end date.

• Only one rent rise a year

  • This can be challenged at a tribunal

• Advanced rent payments limited to one month

• It is now illegal to discriminate against renters in receipt of benefits or with children.

• The pet provision

  • Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pets.

• Systems to allow stronger local authority enforcement

  • Civil fines of £7000 for minor infringement

  • Civil fines of £40000 for serious or repeat offenders

• All landlords will need to register with local authorities on the landlord database

• Tenants now need to give their landlords two months notice when ending the tenancy.

What does this mean for renters and for people at risk of homelessness?

• The end of fixed term tenancies and section 21 evictions will make people's tenancies more secure. 

• Your rent will only increase once a year. This should make your finances easier to manage than before.

• A limit on advance rent payments and an end to discrimination against people claiming benefits should make it easier for people in poverty to find a new home.

• The Landlord Database and more powers for local authorities should remove some rogue landlords from the rental market.

• Landlords have fewer grounds to evict tenants and you now have at least 4 months to find a new home if you are evicted. Grounds for eviction and the notice landlords must give can be found on the Shelter website.

How will this affect our work?

We hope to see fewer people becoming homeless through no fault of their own. Section 21 was one of the most common causes of homelessness in renters. Even when eviction happens, people will be given more notice so they have more time to find other accommodation. However, the housing and rental markets are very expensive in Manchester and will remain unaffordable for many people in poverty and at risk of homelessness.

When we support people out of homelessness, they are often on universal credit and other forms of benefits. In theory, they will no longer be discriminated against by landlords. This should make their move from temporary accommodation into the private rented sector easier and quicker.

The pet provision may help prevent people from having to make the gut-wrenching decision between keeping a beloved pet and securing a home. This is a huge benefit as we have seen people's loyalty to their pets extend the time they spend homeless by months and even years.

Limiting advance rent payments will make it easier to move into a privately rented accommodation for people with no savings. 

We welcome what is arguably the biggest improvement in renters' rights in a generation. Many of the reforms have the potential to reduce homelessness by improving security and removing barriers to accessing private rented accommodation.

However, there is still uncertainty about how some aspects of the legislation will be implemented and enforced by local authorities, tribunals and the courts. 

Affordability remains one of the leading causes of homelessness. While stronger legal protections are welcome, many people will continue to struggle to maintain their housing if rents remain beyond their means. 

Resources on the Renter Rights Act

Shelter - Renters Rights Act information

MHCLG - Renter Rights Act guidance

MHCLG -  Renters Rights Act summary

NRLA - Everything you need to know about the Renters Rights Act