Big changes for renters in England arrived on 1 May 2026, when the Renters’ Rights Act officially came into force.
It is more important than ever that renters understand their new rights and how to put them into action, so for our Annual Renters’ Rights Week we hosted a series of FREE online webinars to help explain these new laws and what they mean for you.
Across the week, we covered all the key topics you need to know about. Watch the videos below to hear directly from experts, campaigners and policymakers.
Monday 27 April, 2 – 3 pm Renters Rights Act – what do renters need from councils?
Presenters: Dan Wilson Craw from Generation Rent and Ben Reeve-Lewis from Safer Renting
Councils have a critical role in enforcing the Renters Rights Act and will often rely on renters to report problems in order to detect breaches of the law. Generation Rent will present insights from renters around what councils can do to encourage renters to raise problems and build trust in the regulatory framework, and Safer Renting will share what practices councils can adopt to get the most out of the new law.
Monday 27 April, 6 – 7 pm Renters Rights Act – how are tenancies and evictions changing?
Speakers: David Scully from Safer Renting, and a representative from Shelter
From 1 May, private renters will no longer have fixed terms and landlords will need a reason to seek an eviction. Learn more about what to expect as the new law comes into force, what new protections you will get, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Tuesday 28 April, 6 – 7 pm Renters Rights Act – what it means for rent rises
Speakers: Sam Thomas from Z2K, and Joey Carr from Safer Renting
With landlords unable to threaten Section 21 evictions, it will become easier for tenants to challenge a rent increase, with a tribunal that can assess proposed rents. Find out what’s changing, how this could affect you, and when using the tribunal system is most beneficial.
Wednesday 29 April, 2 – 3 pm Renters Rights Act – what VCSE organisations need to know about the changes
Presenter: Dan Wilson Craw, Generation Rent
The end of Section 21 evictions is just the highest profile change happening on 1 May, but there is a range of other changes that will affect private renters. Knowing what the new rights and protections are will be crucial when dealing with renters who are facing housing problems. Learn more about the Renters Rights Act.
Wednesday 29 April, 6 – 6.45pm What renters need to know about the Renters Rights Act
Speakers: Guy Horsington and Ross McInnes from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
The Renters’ Rights Act is the biggest set of changes to private renting since the 1980s, and although they add up to a fairer deal for renters, there is a lot to get your head around. Hear from senior civil servants who developed the new laws about what you need to know.
Thursday 30 April, 6 – 7pm Can I get a pet now? What the Renters Rights Act means for you
Speakers: Nye Jones from Generation Rent, and Ben Parker from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
From 1 May, private renters will finally have the right to ask for permission to keep a pet. Find out what could improve your chances of your landlord saying yes, and other things to think about before asking the question.
Friday 1 May, 2 – 3pm Renters Rights Act – how are students affected by the changes?
Speakers: Nicholas Coomber from University of London
The Renters Rights Act affects students differently to other renters, and it depends on what type of accommodation you’re in and who else you live with. Learn about the ins and outs of the new law, and what students can expect, whether they’re in halls, shared houses, or other accommodation.
Friday 1 May, 6 – 7pm Renters Rights Act – what does it mean for disrepair and unsafe homes?
Speakers: Eleanor Solomon from Anthony Gold Solicitors, and Tom Gilchrist from Bristol City Council
The changes to renters’ rights mean it should become easier to complain about problems with your home, including disrepair and unsafe conditions. Your council will have a legal duty to enforce the law, so learn about what to expect if you report something to them, and what other options you might have to get your landlord to fix something.
Saturday 2 May Moving home – what the Renters Rights Act means for me
Speakers: Jenny Lamb from Shelter, and Nishma Parekh & Phil Noble from Goodlord
The Act will make new tenancies and moving home much more accessible to renters. Learn more about what exactly is changing, what you should expect from a new tenancy, and how to challenge things when your rights are not fulfilled by your landlord or letting agent.