Tajammul Gurmani
The Renter’s Rights Act 2026 has come into force, and property agents have started sending notices regarding tenants’ rights and property surveys. The new act gives more rights to tenants, and landlords will not increase rent or end tenancy agreements without prior notice and valid reasons. Tenants also have the right to keep pets at home.
According to details, the Renter’s Rights Act authorises more rights for tenants. Landlords will not change the fixed terms of tenancy agreements, and all agreements will automatically roll over. Landlords will not increase rent in future without prior notice, and it must not be higher than the open market rate, otherwise tenants can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal. Moreover, landlords will not evict tenants without valid reasons. Landlords will not evict tenants just to sell the property or because their family wants to move into the property. If tenants do not leave after receiving notice, landlords will need to apply to the court for possession orders. However, the new law authorises tenants to end the tenancy by giving at least two months’ written notice or email, the act stated.
The new act also gives more rights to students, and they will vacate possession at the end of the academic session. It is also important that from May 2026 tenants have the right to keep pets in properties, and if landlords refuse the request, the decision may be challenged in court, sources added.
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