Check your rights now or risk being caught out by new rental laws
Renters have been urged to check their rights now or risk being caught out, as sweeping new laws prepare to transform the rental market from May.
The warning comes ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act, with major reforms set to affect millions of tenants, fundamentally changing how tenancies are managed and challenged.
Housing law expert Natalie Peacock at Rogers and Norton said the changes are long overdue, with both landlords and tenants having faced ongoing challenges under the current system.
She explained: “For years, there have been issues across the private rental sector, with landlords feeling restricted and tenants facing insecurity, poor housing standards and difficulty challenging unfair treatment.
“The Renters’ Rights Act is designed to create a fairer and more balanced system for everyone involved.”
Change 1: Abolition of no-fault evictions
One of the most significant changes is the removal of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, meaning landlords will no longer be able to ask tenants to leave without a valid reason.
Natalie said this will be transformative for renters: “At the moment, tenants can do everything right and still be forced to leave with just two months’ notice.
“I regularly see renters caught off guard, suddenly having to find somewhere new, cover unexpected moving costs and, in some cases, relocate away from work or their children’s schools.”
She added that the impact stretches beyond individual households: “This also places pressure on local authorities, as many tenants who lose their homes end up seeking support from councils.
“Removing no-fault evictions not only protects renters but could also help relieve pressure on social housing.”
Change 2: Limited grounds for possession
Alongside scrapping Section 21, the Act introduces clearer, limited grounds for possession, including selling the property, moving back in, rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
“This should give renters greater confidence that they won’t be forced out without good reason,” Natalie said.
However, she warned there are still areas renters should be aware of: “Some grounds, such as landlords selling or moving back in, may raise concerns about misuse.
“But the key difference is that renters will have longer notice periods and the ability to challenge notices if they believe they’re not genuine.”
Change 3: Measures limiting rent increases
The legislation will also restrict rent increases to once per year and give tenants the right to challenge rises they consider unreasonable.
Natalie explained: “This is a crucial step in addressing affordability.
“Landlords will need to ensure any increases are fair and justifiable, rather than pricing tenants out without scrutiny.”
Change 4: Improvements to housing standards
The Act also strengthens protections for renters living in poor conditions, including safeguards against retaliatory eviction when issues are raised.
“I’ve worked with tenants who are afraid to report serious repair issues because they worry about eviction or rent increases,” Natalie said.
“These reforms should give renters the confidence to speak up, knowing they are better protected when challenging poor standards.”
What should renters do:
1: Check current and new agreements
With the changes approaching, Natalie urged renters to review their tenancy agreements carefully.
“In a competitive market, it’s easy to rush into signing an agreement, but that’s where disputes often arise,” she explained.
“With the new legislation coming in, some agreements may not yet reflect the updated rules, so it’s important to check for clauses around fixed terms and notice periods.”
2: Keep a record of payments
Natalie also advises renters to keep clear records of rent payments to avoid disputes.
“With no-fault evictions being removed, landlords may rely more on rent arrears as a route to possession,” she said.
“Having proper records and receipts can help protect tenants if any disagreements arise.”
She also addressed a common misconception: “The Act doesn’t mean landlords can’t evict tenants at all.
“It simply ensures there must be a valid reason, rather than leaving renters living under constant threat of eviction.”
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