From May 1st, renters’ rights are changing in the UK.
Recently, David from our team at Brigstowe attended a Renters’ Rights Act West of England engagement event, which helped us determine the importance of sharing this information with our clients, volunteers and supporters.
We know the new changes to renters’ rights affect many of you. We have put together a list of key changes you should know about. For more information, please visit WE-rent.org.uk.
What is the Renters’ Right Act 2025?
The biggest shake-up to the English private renting sector in over 30 years. This is a result of over a decade of tireless campaigning from Generation Rent, alongside the strength of dedication from ordinary renters and friends across the renter movement.
Read on to find out about new changes that will come in effect on Friday 1st of May 2026.
New changes
No more Section 21 evictions: Landlords must have a valid reason for eviction
End to fixed-term contracts: All tenancies will be rolling contracts, which tenants can end with a two-month notice period.
Fewer rent hikes: Landlords can only raise rent once a year, and must give 2 months’ notice before doing so. Tenants can challenge unfair rent hikes in tribunal.
No more bidding wars: Landlords cannot ask for or accept rent higher than the advertised rent price.
Landlords can only ask for one month’s rent upfront: Separate to existing deposit limit of up to five weeks rent.
No tenant discrimination: It will be illegal to refuse tenants just because they receive benefits or have kids
Pets: Renters can request to live with a pet, and landlords must consider this fairly.
Compensation for renters: Rent repayment orders available for new offences such as misuse of possession grounds, breaching no-let periods, or not complying with database. Maximum amount doubled to 24 months’ rent.
Mandatory written agreements: During transition, landlords must provide tenants with a government-produced information sheet, explaining how the reforms may have affected the tenancy.
Stronger protections in HMOs: Clamps down on arrangements where the landlord and property owner are different people so can avoid responsibility.
On the spot fines for hazards: Councils won’t need to serve an enforcement notice if a landlord has already had a chance to fix dangerous disrepair.
For more information, please follow the link below to visit a website dedicated to explaining the new changes.
If you are a client and have any concerns about how this may affect your housing situation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch us by emailing info@brigstowe.org or by calling us at 0117 955 5038.