Understanding Your Tenancy: A Guide to the Renters' Rights Act 2026
Renting a home should be straightforward and secure. With the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act in May 2026, the landscape of the private rented sector has fundamentally changed to offer greater flexibility and peace of mind. Whether you are currently renting a home in Bridlington or looking for your next property across Yorkshire, understanding how these new rules affect your daily life is essential.
Here at The Property Shop, we know that legislative updates and legal jargon can feel overwhelming. As your local property management experts, we believe that informed tenants make for successful, stress-free tenancies. The recent shift away from traditional fixed-term contracts to rolling periodic tenancies means you now have more control over your living situation, alongside updated rights regarding rent increases, property standards, and keeping pets.
To help you navigate these changes with confidence, our team has translated the government legislation into plain English. Below, you will find answers to the most common questions about how the new rental laws work in practice and what they mean for your home..
What happened to my fixed-term tenancy?
Under the new rules, fixed-term tenancies no longer exist. If you had an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), it automatically converted into a rolling "Assured Periodic Tenancy" on May 1, 2026. This means your contract simply rolls from month to month with no set end date.
How much notice do I need to give if I want to move out?
Because you are now on a rolling contract, you can end your tenancy at any time by providing us with two months' written notice from you rent date.
Can my landlord ask me to leave without a reason?
No. The new law has abolished "no-fault" Section 21 evictions. Your landlord can now only ask you to leave if they have a valid, legal reason (known as a "ground for possession"). Valid reasons include things like the landlord needing to sell the property, wanting to move in themselves, or if there are significant rent arrears.
How often can my rent be increased?
Rent can only be increased once every 12 months. To do this, we must provide you with at least two months' notice using a formal process (a Section 13 notice).
Can I keep a pet in my rental property?
Yes, the new law gives you the right to request a pet. Landlords must consider all requests and cannot unreasonably refuse them. If a landlord does refuse, they must provide a valid reason in writing (for example, if the property is too small or if the building's freeholder prohibits pets).
Are there limits on how much rent I have to pay upfront?
Yes. For new tenancies, we can no longer ask for more than one month's rent in advance.