Your home, your rights: what every tenant should know right now

Let's be honest, no one dreams about reporting a leaky tap or chasing up a draught coming through the kitchen window. But staying on top of your home and knowing how to speak up when things go wrong? That can genuinely make your renting experience a whole lot smoother and safer — thanks to some big legal changes kicking next month.

 

The Big News: The Renters' Rights Act 2025 Is Here

You may have heard whispers about this, but it's now very much real. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 became law in October 2025, and from 1 May 2026, the most significant changes to tenancy law in nearly 40 years officially come into effect.

 

Here's what that means for you, in plain English:

No More 'No-Fault' Evictions

This is a big one. Section 21 — the law that allowed landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason — is being abolished. From now on, your landlord must have a valid, specific reason to ask you to leave. That means you can report a problem, challenge something, or simply live your life without the fear that raising your voice will cost you your home.

Rolling Tenancies 

Fixed-term contracts are becoming a thing of the past. All tenancies will now roll on a monthly or weekly basis, with no set end date. If you want to move on, you simply give two months' notice. It's your home for as long as you need it to be.

Fairer Rent Increases

Rent can only be increased once a year, and your landlord must give you at least two months' notice before doing so. If you think a proposed increase is unreasonable, you now have the right to challenge it. No more surprise hikes out of nowhere.

The Right to Request a Pet

Got your heart set on a furry companion? Landlords can no longer include blanket 'no pets' clauses. You can make a written request, and your landlord must consider it — they can only refuse if they have a genuinely good reason.

Protection Against Retaliation

This one matters more than people realise. If you report a problem with your home, challenge a rent increase, or exercise any of your legal rights, your landlord cannot use that as grounds to evict you. 

 

Looking After Your Home: Small Things That Make a Big Difference

Now that you know your rights are stronger than ever, let's talk about your side of the deal — because a well-maintained home doesn't just happen on its own, and a bit of care goes a long way.

Report Issues Early 

A dripping tap. A patch of damp in the corner. A radiator that's lukewarm when it should be toasty. These things are easy to ignore at first, but small problems have a habit of turning into expensive, disruptive ones.

The golden rule: if you notice it, report it. You're not being a bother — you're doing the right thing. And under the new legislation, you're now better protected than ever when you do.

When you report an issue, try to:

• Put it in writing (email or message) so there's a clear record
• Include photos where possible — a picture really is worth a thousand words
• Note the date you first spotted the problem
• Follow up if you don't hear back within a reasonable time

Damp and Mould 

Cold mornings and older housing stock aren't always a great combination. Keep an eye out for:

• Black or green patches on walls, ceilings, or around window frames
• A musty smell that lingers even when windows are open
• Condensation collecting on windows regularly

Damp and mould aren't just unpleasant — they can affect your health. Report them promptly. The government is currently working to extend Awaab's Law (named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, whose death was linked to severe mould exposure in his rented home) to the private sector, which will require landlords to act much faster on these issues. The direction of travel is clear: your home should be safe and healthy to live in.

Heating and Hot Water

Your heating and hot water are essential services, not luxuries. If either stops working, that's a priority repair and your landlord should treat it as one — especially in colder months. Don't suffer in silence with a sleeping bag and a portable heater. Report it, put it in writing, and follow up.

General Care 

Renting is a two-way street. Keeping your home clean, well-ventilated, and reasonably looked after not only makes it a nicer place to live, it also protects your deposit and keeps the relationship with your landlord positive. Simple habits like:

• Opening windows regularly to let fresh air circulate
• Wiping down bathroom surfaces to prevent mould build-up
• Not blocking vents or covering radiators with large furniture
• Checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly

...make a real difference over time.

Coming up May 1st: 

A new Private Landlord Ombudsman will launch — a free, independent service where you can raise complaints about your landlord without needing to go to court. A national Private Rented Sector Database will also go live, where you can check who you're renting from and view property standards before you sign anything.

A Decent Homes Standard will be extended to private rentals, setting a minimum bar for property condition — meaning damp, hazards, and neglect will have real legal consequences.

Renting in England is changing for the better, and it's worth knowing where you stand.

 

A Final Word

You deserve a home that's safe, well-maintained, and somewhere you actually feel settled. Don't be afraid to speak up, ask questions, or reach out to us if you're unsure about anything. That's what we're here for.

If you have any questions about your tenancy, a repair that needs reporting, or anything related to the Renters' Rights Act changes, please get in touch — we're always happy to help.

Here's to feeling at home. 🏡

 

For more information on the Renters' Rights Act 2025, visit our guide or speak to a member of our team.