The Government is introducing big changes to private renting through the Renters’ Rights Act. The aim is to make private renting fairer, safer, and more secure. These changes will start in phases from 1 May 2026.
This page is for private renters. You can find more information about the Renters’ Rights Act for landlords.
Read the Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act - GOV.UK.
What changes
From 1 May 2026, the changes include:
- Changes to section 21 ‘no‑fault evictions’ - your landlord cannot evict you without a valid legal reason
- Changes to rolling (periodic) tenancies - your tenancy won’t have an end date, but can be ended by you giving notice to your landlord or your landlord following the correct legal eviction process
- for written tenancy agreements signed before 1 May 2026, your landlord will need to provide you with the government's The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet (PDF) by 31 May 2026
- Rules on rent increases under the Renters' Rights Act – rent can only increase once a year, with two months’ notice (when proposing a new rent, your landlord must give you a Form 4A rent increase notice (PDF); if you disagree with the proposed rent, you can apply for an open market rent determination on what the open-market rent for the property is)
- Protections against rental discrimination - landlords can't refuse to rent because you have children or receive benefits
- Renting with pets under the Renters' Right Act - landlords must consider your request and can't refuse without a good reason
- Ban on rental bidding - landlords can't ask you to offer more than the advertised rent
Later in 2026, the changes include:
- Private rented sector landlord database showing all registered landlords
- Private rented sector landlord Ombudsman to help resolve disputes without going to court
More information
- Renters' Rights Act: changes for private tenants - Shelter England
- Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act - GOV.UK
- Rent Repayment Orders: guidance for tenants - GOV.UK
- Grounds for possession: guidance for tenants - GOV.UK
- Easy read: private renting in England - GOV.UK
- Tenant Fees Act amended by the Renters' Rights Act 2025 - GOV.UK
How we can help
If you need advice about renting in Portsmouth, visit support for renters for drop-in sessions, advice on housing issues, and support if you’re worried about eviction or losing your home.
For future updates, you can check this page, follow us on Facebook or Instagram, and sign up to email updates and select these topics: Family Life, Flagship, or Health & Care Portsmouth.
Contact us
If you have any questions, contact us on 023 9268 8369 or at PSH@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.