Key Changes Starting May 2026:
No More “No-Fault” Evictions: Landlords can no longer use Section 21 notices to evict tenants without a valid reason.
Fairer Rent Rules:
Tenants can challenge excessive rent increases.
Rent can only be increased once a year.
Pets Allowed: Landlords can’t unreasonably refuse tenants’ requests to have pets.
No Bidding Wars: Landlords and agents can’t pit tenants against each other to drive up rent.
Deposit Limits: Asking for more than one month’s rent upfront will be banned.
No Discrimination: Landlords can’t refuse tenants just because they receive benefits or have children.
What’s Next?
The Act will roll out in three phases:
Phase 1 (May 2026): The changes above take effect.
Phase 2 (Late 2026):
A Private Landlord Ombudsman will help tenants resolve disputes without going to court.
A Landlord Database will require all landlords to register their properties.
Phase 3: Future improvements, like a Decent Homes Standard, will ensure rental properties are safe, warm, and energy-efficient.
Why It Matters
These reforms aim to create a fairer, more stable rental market for everyone. While good landlords will benefit from clearer rules, rogue landlords will need to clean up their act.
If you’re a landlord or tenant, now’s the time to prepare for these changes. For landlords, working with a professional letting agent like JW Wood can help you stay compliant and protect your investment.