Renters’ Rights Information

Private tenants in England have legal rights relating to safety, repairs, deposits, privacy, rent and protection from unlawful eviction.

Your tenancy agreement may provide additional rights, but it cannot remove legal protections that apply to your tenancy.

The Renters’ Rights Act changed the private rented sector in England from 1 May 2026. Existing assured shorthold tenancies generally became assured periodic tenancies, and new assured tenancies operate on a rolling basis rather than having a fixed end date.

Tenants can usually end a periodic tenancy by giving the required notice. Landlords must rely on an applicable legal ground if they want possession of the property.

From 1 May 2026, landlords can no longer begin the Section 21 no-fault eviction process for private assured tenancies in England.

A landlord seeking possession must use an applicable statutory ground, provide the correct notice and follow the court process where the tenant does not leave.

Transitional rules may apply where a valid notice or court process began before 1 May 2026.

Tenants are responsible for paying the agreed rent on time. Rent should not normally be withheld because repairs are outstanding unless specialist advice confirms that a lawful procedure applies.

Landlords must follow the applicable legal rent-increase process. A tenant may be able to challenge a proposed increase through the First-tier Tribunal where the legislation allows.

Rental bidding rules introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act require landlords and agents to advertise an asking rent and restrict them from encouraging or accepting offers above that amount.

Landlords are generally responsible for the structure and exterior of the property, sanitary installations, heating, hot water, gas systems and electrical wiring.

Tenants should report problems promptly and keep written evidence. The landlord should be given reasonable access to inspect and complete necessary repairs.

Local councils may be able to inspect unsafe housing and take enforcement action where serious hazards are present.

Tenants have the right to live in the property without unreasonable interference. A landlord or agent should not enter whenever they choose.

For routine inspections and repairs, landlords generally need to provide at least 24 hours’ notice and attend at a reasonable time, unless emergency access is required.

The tenancy agreement may explain the access procedure but cannot remove the tenant’s legal right to quiet enjoyment.

Where tenancy-deposit protection rules apply, the landlord or agent must place the deposit in an approved scheme and provide the required information within the legal timeframe.

At the end of the tenancy, the tenant is entitled to the return of the deposit unless reasonable deductions are agreed or decided through the relevant dispute process.

Tenant rights operate alongside tenant responsibilities. Looking after the property and communicating promptly can help avoid disputes.

Your tenancy agreement may contain additional reasonable obligations relating to the property, communal areas and permitted use.

A tenant or prospective tenant may request permission to keep a pet. A landlord should consider the request and may only refuse where there is a valid reason.

Tenants should provide useful information about the animal, including its type, size, temperament and any arrangements for care or insurance.

Landlords and letting agents must comply with equality law. The Renters’ Rights Act also restricts discrimination against prospective tenants because they receive benefits or have children.

Applicants can still be asked to demonstrate affordability, provide references and meet reasonable tenancy conditions, provided those requirements are applied lawfully and fairly.

A tenant should provide the correct written notice before leaving. The required notice may depend on the rental period, tenancy terms and applicable legislation.

Before moving out, arrange the return of keys, take meter readings, photograph the condition of the property and provide a forwarding address.

Leaving without following the required process may result in continuing rent liability.

Raise concerns with the landlord or managing agent in writing and explain clearly what outcome you need. Keep a record of all communication.

Where the matter is not resolved, support may be available from the local council, Citizens Advice, Shelter, the relevant deposit scheme or an appropriately qualified legal adviser.

Urgent advice should be obtained where you receive an eviction notice, face homelessness, experience harassment or believe you are being unlawfully excluded from your home.

Dan & Shiv Realty aims to provide tenants with clear information and professional communication throughout the rental process.

We can help explain application steps, property information, tenancy administration, maintenance reporting and move-in arrangements. Independent legal advice should be obtained where a dispute requires formal legal guidance.