UK renters' rights act kicks in today: One month rent cap and no-fault evictions banned

A landmark shake-up of England's private rental market has come into force today, May 1, 2026, as the Renters' Rights Act transforms the rights of millions of tenants across the country.

Under the new law, landlords are now restricted to collecting a maximum of one month's rent in advance, even if a tenant voluntarily offers to pay more. The change effectively ends a practice that had long placed prospective tenants, particularly those without savings or a rental history, at a disadvantage.

The legislation also abolishes Section 21 so-called "no-fault" evictions, under which landlords could previously terminate a tenancy without providing any reason. From today, landlords must cite specific legal grounds, such as selling the property, moving in themselves, or persistent rent arrears before they can ask a tenant to leave. All such cases must now go through the Section 8 process, giving tenants greater security and the right to challenge eviction in court.

The Act introduces several additional protections. Fixed-term tenancy contracts are banned, with all rental agreements moving to rolling monthly arrangements. Rent increases are limited to once per year, with landlords required to give at least two months' notice before any rise takes effect.

The reforms are widely regarded as the most significant overhaul of tenant protections in England in a generation, offering greater stability to an estimated 11 million private renters.