In this article:
Friday 1st May 2026
Phase 1 – A snapshot of what you need to know
Abolish Section 21 Notices (no fault evictions).
Landlords can no longer evict without a valid reason.
Ensure possession grounds are fair to both parties.
This gives tenants more security, while ensuring landlords can recover their property when reasonable.
New rules for ending a tenancy.
Tenants can leave at any time with 2 months’ notice. Landlords can only end a tenancy using legal possession grounds.
Limit rent increases to once per year.
All rent increases will now require landlords to issue a section 13 notice at least two months before.
Ban on rental bidding.
Landlords cannot accept an offer to rent over the marketed advertised rent.
No more than one month’s rent in advance.
Landlords and agents will not be able to request more than one month’s rent in advance and rent being paid in advance to secure a property.
Letting criteria must be fair.
It will be illegal to discriminate against renters who have children or receive benefits.
Changes to pets requests.
Requests for pets must be considered, and landlords must not unreasonably refuse.
New investigatory powers.
Local councils will have stronger abilities to investigate rogue landlords/practices.
More phases are coming. Stay Ahead!
If you would like support with anything regarding the new legislation, please contact us on 01245 253 377.
