Yes.
The Renters’ Rights Act has come into force and landlords are no longer able to serve Section 21 notices since 1 May 2026. From this date landlords will need a valid reason to evict their tenant.
Fixed term tenancies have ended, meaning tenants can give two months’ notice to move out at any point in the tenancy.
In addition, as of 1 May 2026, landlords:
- cannot raise the rent more than once per year, and tenants can challenge it if they feel it is more than the market rent.
- cannot ask renters to offer or accept more than the advertised rent.
- cannot ask renters to pay more than one month’s rent in advance.
- cannot discriminate against tenants who receive benefits or have children.
- need a good reason to refuse their tenant the ability to keep a pet.
Later in 2026 we are expecting the Private Landlord Ombudsman and the Private Rented Sector Database to come into effect.
Section 21 notices served before 1 May can be enforced in the courts until 31 July. After this time, landlords will need to rely on valid eviction grounds.
If your landlord has asked you to leave, we have more information on this page.
We would encourage you to contact an advice organisation on this link for personal advice.
We have heard from some tenants that their landlord or letting agent has asked them to pay multiple months’ rent when renewing the tenancy, or to sign a “statement of intent” to stay for at least 12 months when starting a new tenancy. If this has happened to you, please let us know on the Have We Helped link below.
