England's Renters’ Rights Act Overhauls Private Tenancy Rules

The Renters’ Rights Act, which applies to most private tenancies in England, introduced sweeping reforms that came into force on 1 May. Existing assured shorthold tenancies automatically convert to assured periodic tenancies, creating rolling monthly contracts that continue until either party takes action. Section 21 “no‑fault” evictions are abolished; landlords must now have a specific legal reason, obtain a court order and give at least four months’ notice. Additional protections include capping rent‑increase notices to once per year, banning rent‑bidding, limiting upfront rent to one month’s payment, and prohibiting discrimination against families with children or benefit claimants. Tenants already in place receive a government‑issued information sheet and must give two months’ notice to end the tenancy. The reforms do not affect council or housing‑association rentals, purpose‑built student halls, lodgers, holiday lets, business tenancies or other specialist accommodation.