Renters' Rights Act

The Renters’ Rights Act brings in major changes to private renting in England and will affect both private tenants and landlords, including here in Croydon.

It aims to give tenants more security in their homes, make the system clearer for tenants and landlords, and improve housing standards in the private rented sector. 

What's changing from 1 May 2026

From 1 May 2026:

• Section 21 “no fault” evictions will end 
• tenancies will move to a periodic (rolling) system 
• rent increases will be limited to once per year 
• tenants will have stronger rights to challenge rent increases 
• new rules will apply on discrimination, pets and rental bidding

These changes will apply to most private tenancies.

What's coming later

The changes from 1 May 2026 are the first stage.

Further changes will follow, including:

• a national landlord and property database 
• a new landlord ombudsman 
• stronger rules on housing standards, including damp and mould 
• a Decent Homes Standard for private rented homes