The new Renters’ Rights Act will come into force from Friday 1 May 2026, here's are some important things to be aware of.
You may have heard about the new Renters’ Rights Act that will come into force from Friday 1 May 2026. We wanted to share with you some information about the changes you may see and important things to be aware of.
Summary of the Act and key changes
The Renters’ Rights Act (2025), previously known as the Renters’ Reform Bill, will come into place from Friday 1 May 2026. The Act will change the way renting works in England and aims to give renters more rights and protections and improve housing standards.
This new Act will impact you if you currently rent or will be renting private student housing.
Some key changes include:
- Advance Rent limits: Landlords cannot ask for more than one month’s rent upfront
- Rent increases: Can only happen once every 12 months
- Anti-discrimination: Properties cannot be advertised as ’no students’
- Repairs: Serious hazards must be fixed within 7 days
- No Fixed Term tenancies: Tenants can give 2 months’ notice at any time to leave the property
- Deposit protection: Deposit must be protected within 30 days of the landlord receiving it
- Student Houses (HMOs): Landlords can end tenancies once a year under specific conditions
- Written tenancy information: Landlords must provide tenants with clear written information about the tenancy
- End to ‘Section 21’ Evictions: Landlords are unable to evict unless valid and specific circumstances are met
- Right to request a pet: Landlords must consider all requests and respond within 28 days
How will this affect you?
Undergraduate Students:
Students currently on Assured Shorthold Tenancies will automatically change to periodic/rolling tenancies from Friday 1 May 2026.
This means that to move out of current accommodation you will now need to give notice of your intention to move out otherwise your contract will continue. Your notice must be submitted 2 months before you wish to leave the tenancy. If you do not give this notice, landlords will be able to charge you additional rent to cover the notice period or deduct this from your deposit.
If you are currently in a student House of Multiple Occupation the landlord will also be able to issue a 2 months’ notice period for you to leave the property to allow new students to move in.
Postgraduate Students
Many Postgraduate students take on longer tenancies or remain in their accommodation after June/July.
If you are in a House of Multiple Occupation a landlord can utilise Ground 4a of the Act to terminate your tenancy to allow for a new intake of students. This means your tenancy could be terminated earlier than you initially anticipated. There will be strict conditions and a notice period for the landlord to follow to utilise Ground 4a so please consider reaching out to Guild Advice if you find yourself in this position.
International Students
Many international students secure accommodation by paying for a full term or year’s rent upfront. From Friday 1 May 2026, landlords will not be allowed to request rent for more than one month in advance for a maximum value of one month’s rent. This means that for any new tenancies you may be asked to provide a UK guarantor. The letting agent may refer you to a guarantor scheme however these can sometimes be more expensive so you can shop around for a better deal should you wish to.
It's also important you make sure you submit your 2 months’ notice when you wish to leave the property.
We will be updating our online Housing Hub in due course, however if you wish to find out further information please visit Gov.uk to view their Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act and check out Shelter’s website to learn about upcoming changes for private renters.