New renters’ rights coming into force from May 2026: the changes explained
In Stockport, the housing crisis is a daily reality for thousands of people. Over the last few years, our local rental market has become increasingly out of reach. On average, private renters in Stockport (local authority area) spend over 32% of their income on rent. Too many local people are being squeezed by rising costs while facing the constant fear of a ‘no-fault’ eviction.
The new Renters’ Rights Act, coming into force on 1 May 2026, is a massive step forward for our community. These reforms are designed to make renting safer, fairer and more secure for tenants and their families. Below, I have broken down exactly what these changes mean for you and how we are making renting fairer for our town.
These changes mainly affect people who rent their home from a private landlord. They do not apply to council tenants, protected tenants or lodgers living with their landlord. Housing association tenants will also see some changes, but these will be introduced later.
The Act introduces a number of important new protections for private renters, including:
The end of “no-fault” Section 21 evictions
The end of fixed-term tenancies, replaced with rolling agreements
Clearer rules on rent increases
An end to bidding wars to secure rental properties
Stronger duties for landlords to carry out repairs
Easier routes for tenants to challenge poor practice
Tighter rules preventing discrimination against tenants with children or who receive benefits
What this means if you’re looking to rent:
If you are looking for a private rental property after 1 May 2026, new rules will apply.
Landlords will be required to advertise the actual rental price and will not be allowed to encourage offers above it. They must also provide you with a written tenancy agreement before you move in, and could face fines if they fail to do so.
The new law also limits the amount of rent that can be requested upfront. Landlords will only be able to request one month’s rent in advance once the tenancy agreement is signed, unless a tenant chooses to pay more voluntarily.
What happens to existing tenancies:
If you are already renting privately, your existing assured shorthold tenancy will automatically become a rolling assured periodic tenancy from 1 May 2026.
Landlords must notify tenants of the change in the law by 31 May 2026, usually by providing government guidance explaining the new rights. Tenants can request a new written tenancy agreement if they wish.
Under the new system, tenants will generally need to give two months’ notice if they want to leave their property.
What replaces Section 21 evictions?
From May 2026, landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without giving a reason.
Instead, they must use a Section 8 notice, which requires them to provide a valid legal reason (known as a “ground”) such as:
Selling the property
Moving into the property themselves
Serious breaches of the tenancy agreement, such as rent arrears
Tenants will also have the right to see the reason for eviction in writing, along with supporting evidence.
New rules on rent increases
Once the Act comes into force, landlords will only be able to increase rent once per year.
They must provide at least two months’ written notice, explaining the new rent amount and when it will start. If tenants believe an increase is unfair, they can challenge it by providing evidence such as:
The market rent for similar properties nearby
The condition of the property
Whether rent was increased recently
If a tenant disputes a rent increase and the landlord rejects the challenge, the issue can be taken to an independent tribunal, which will decide what constitutes a fair market rent.
Getting advice
If you receive notice from your landlord or are unsure about your rights, it is important to check the details carefully and seek advice early. Further information about challenging rent increases and tenant rights can be found through housing advice organisations such as Shelter:
Shelter - Housing advice from Shelter - Shelter England
Tenants Advice - Get Our Help | Tenants Advice
Renters Unions - How renters unions can help - Shelter England
Alternatively, please contact me at navendu.mishra.mp@parliament.uk if you are experiencing issues with a landlord.
Prior to the general election in July 2024, Labour made a manifesto commitment to address the problems in the private rented sector. This landmark legislation delivers on our promise - representing a significant change to the private rental system which will benefit approximately 9173 households in Stockport.