Quick answer: Since 1 May 2026, most private tenancies in England are rolling, and landlords need a legal reason to evict you.
The Renters' Rights Act started to take effect in England on 1 May 2026. It changes a lot for people renting rooms and flats privately.
Key points
- Section 21 "no-fault" evictions have ended in England. A landlord now has to use a legal reason, and go through the proper process.
- Most private tenancies now roll on without a fixed end date.
- Rent can generally only go up once a year, with proper notice, and you can challenge unfair increases.
- The rules in this guide apply to England only. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different laws.
- Rules differ if you live with your landlord as a lodger. Check with Shelter or Citizens Advice.
A tip
Keep your tenancy agreement, rent receipts and any messages from your landlord in one place.
About the video
The video at the top of this page is by Shelter on YouTube. We picked it because its title is "How the Renters' Rights Act will change private renting | Shelter". We did not make it, and rules and amounts change, so use the official links at the bottom of this page to check the details for your situation.
Sources and official help
This guide is general information, not legal or benefits advice. Rules and amounts change, so check the official links above or speak to Citizens Advice or your council before you make a decision.