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    Renting privately in England after 1 May 2026

    Written by Billy Kukadia · Last reviewed 23 October 2026

    Illustrative image: a woman and man reviewing papers at a table in a bright flat beside moving boxes

    In short

    From 1 May 2026, section 21 “no-fault” evictions have ended in England and tenancies are periodic.

    Rent can rise once a year, with 2 months' notice, and you can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal.

    If you could lose your home within 56 days, contact your council now.

    What you need

    Your tenancy agreement, if you have one, and any letters or notices from your landlord or agent. Write the date you received each one on it, or in a note beside it.

    A record of rent paid: bank statements or receipts. If there are arrears, an honest note of how much and since when helps anyone who is trying to help you.

    A short list of your questions. Most worries fall into a few groups: a notice to leave, a rent rise, repairs, or being refused a home. Knowing which one you have makes the first conversation quicker.

    Step by step

    1. Check what kind of notice you have

      Compare the reason on your notice with the rules in the key dates box. Note the date you received it. If the reason or timing seems wrong, contact Shelter before replying.

    2. If you want to leave

      Use the tenant notice period above. Put your notice in writing and keep a copy.

    3. If the rent is going up

      Keep the rent notice with your payment records. Compare it with the summary above and note what you disagree with before asking about a tribunal challenge.

    4. If you are looking for a new home

      Check any request for rent in advance against the summary. They cannot unreasonably refuse a request to keep a pet. It is also banned to discriminate against people because they receive benefits or have children. If this happens to you, write down what was said, when, and by whom.

    5. If you might lose your home

      If you are likely to lose your home within 56 days, contact your council's housing team. It has a duty to try to prevent homelessness. Ring early rather than waiting for the last week; the earlier you contact the council, the more it can do.

      Some parts of the Act are still to come, including a private rented sector database and a landlord ombudsman. There are no exact dates for these yet, so check the official roadmap before relying on them.

    Free help

    These lines are free. Civil Legal Advice is for people who qualify for legal aid.

    How we can help, and what we can't

    We can help you sort your letters and notices into date order, write down what has happened, and prepare letters or complaints in your words for you to check. We are not solicitors or a law firm, and we cannot tell you whether a notice is valid or represent you. Our housing support page explains the practical help available. Housing support.