Renters' Rights Act - Private Tenants and Landlords

Renters' Rights Act: Information for Private Tenants

The Government is introducing big changes to private renting through the Renters' Rights Act. The aim is to make private renting fairer, safer, and more secure. These changes will start in phases from 1 May 2026.

For more details, visit Guide to the Renters' Rights Act – GOV.UK External Hyperlink - Opens in new tab

What changes

From 1 May 2026, the changes include:

No more 'no-fault evictions' – your landlord can't evict you without a valid legal reason
All tenancies become rolling (periodic) – your tenancy won't have an end date, but can be ended by you giving notice to your landlord or your landlord following the correct legal eviction process
For written tenancy agreements signed before 1 May 2026, your landlord will need to provide you with the government produced information sheet by 31 May 2026
Fairer rent increases – rent can only increase once a year, with two months' notice (when proposing a new rent, your landlord must give you a Form 4A ; if you disagree with the proposed rent, you can ask the tribunal to make a decision on what the open-market rent for the property is)
No discrimination – landlords can't refuse to rent because you have children or receive benefits
Pets must be considered – landlords must consider your request and can't refuse without a good reason
No more rental bidding – landlords can't ask you to offer more than the advertised rent

Later in 2026, the changes include:

A national database showing all registered landlords
Ombudsman membership to help resolve disputes without going to court

More information

Shelter – Renters' Rights Act: changes for private tenants External Hyperlink - Opens in new tab

Money Helper – What the new 2025 Renters' Rights Act means for you External Hyperlink - Opens in new tab

Guide to the Renters' Rights Act – GOV.UK External Hyperlink - Opens in new tab

Download the Renters' Rights Act information sheet (PDF) External Hyperlink - Opens in new tab

How we can help

If you require any help or assistance in relation to a housing problem, you can access the service by telephone on 01329 236100 by emailing: housing@fareham.gov.uk or in person at the Civic Offices in Fareham between 10:00 - 15:00 Monday to Friday.

Renters' Rights Act: Information For Landlords

For more details, visit Guide to the Renters' Rights Act – GOV.UK External Hyperlink - Opens in new tab

What changes

From 1 May 2026, the changes include:

Section 21 ends – you must give a legal reason to end a tenancy, for example, selling the property, moving in, rent arrears, antisocial behaviour using grounds for possession
All tenancies become rolling (periodic) – fixed term assured shorthold tenancies will no longer exist for written tenancy agreements signed before 1 May 2026, you need to give tenants the government produced information sheet by 31 May 2026 – more information is available on gov.uk
Rent increases allowed once per year – and you must give at least two months' notice and use the proper legal process; you can't ask for more than one month upfront
Bidding wars not allowed – you must stick to the advertised rent
No discrimination – you can't refuse tenants because they have children or receive benefits
Pets must be considered – you can't refuse a tenant's request to keep a pet without valid reason