The new Renters' Rights Bill comes into effect on May 1 2026

With the first phase of the new Renters' Rights Bill taking effect next week, we wanted to share some of the major changes that will most affect students.

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Samantha Buss

Tue 21 April 2026

With the first phase of the new Renters' Rights Bill taking effect next week, we wanted to share some of the major changes that will most affect students.

 

Upfront costs and bidding wars will be banned

  • Landlords cannot ask for more than one month’s rent in advance
  • Properties must not be let for more than the advertised rent

 

Your tenancy will not “end” just because the law changes, and does not need to be renewed or re‑signed when the Act comes into force.

  • Most Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will automatically convert into periodic tenancies
  • You keep your home unless you choose to leave or your landlord successfully uses a legal eviction ground

 

Landlords can no longer evict you “without a reason” using a Section 21 (“no‑fault”) evictions.

  • Your landlord must give a valid legal reason to regain possession
  • Evictions must go through revised Section 8 grounds, such as serious rent arrears or anti‑social behaviour
  • you have much stronger protection if you report disrepair, damp, mould, or safety issues.

 

Leaving your tenancy will now be more flexible

  • You can usually leave by giving 2 months’ written notice (and do not need to wait until a fixed-term end date)
  • This can be helpful if your circumstances as a student change
  • Important for shared student houses: If one joint tenant gives notice, it may legally end the tenancy for everyone. Students should always seek advice before giving notice in a house share.

 

Rent increases are more controlled (but not frozen)

  • Rent will not be capped, but it can only be increased once per year
  • Increases must follow a formal legal process
  • You have the right to challenge unreasonable rent rises

 

Students can now ask to have pets, but it’s not automatic

  • Landlords must consider requests fairly and cannot refuse unreasonably – although this does not guarantee permission (potentially especially in shared housing)

 

It’s also important to remember that the following still has not changed:

  • As a tenant, you must still pay rent.
  • As a tenant, you are still responsible for looking after the property.
  • Landlords can still regain possession for legitimate reasons: wanting to sell the property, move in themselves or a close family member, or serious rent arrears or anti-social behaviour incurred by the tenant. 

 

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