What you need to know about the changes to renting in 2026

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 has changed how renting works in England. The change in law came into effect on 1 May 2026. 

The new rules do not apply to all renters, though: they only apply to renters who have assured tenancies. The changes do not apply to:

• Renters in dedicated student accommodation
• Renters with resident landlords

If your current contract started before 1 May 2026 and has been an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), please read on.

The rules changed on 1 May 2026, and from that date existing ASTs have changed to the new periodic assured tenancies. Any new tenancies will also be assured periodic.

What does this mean? Here are some of the changes that will come in:

• No more fixed contract lengths. Tenancies will run from month to month and be open-ended (this is what ‘periodic’ means).
• No more large advance rent payments. Landlords and agents will only be able to ask for (and accept) 1 month’s rent in advance, plus the tenancy deposit, before the tenancy starts. And then rent is paid monthly in advance.
• Landlords must give a written contract (a “statement of terms”) and signing of the contract comes before payment of rent and deposit.
• No more no-fault evictions. Landlords will not be able to ask renters to leave just because they want the property back. They will still be allowed to do so in some circumstances and where all tenants are students.
• Tenants will be able to give 2 months’ notice and leave early.
• No more bidding wars. Landlords and agents will need to advertise the rent they ask for and will not be allowed to invite or accept offers for a higher rent.
• Strict rules around rent increases.

👉 For more information about the Renters Rights Act, visit the ULHS FAQ page.

👉 For support with private renting in London, get in touch with our UAL Private Accommodation Adviser. Contact our Advisor at: 📧private.accom@arts.ac.uk or ☎️ 020 7514 6240.

📸 Image credit: Anna Maglione, In the studio.