Major UK law change on May 1 2026 means tenants 'can't be locked in or evicted without reason'

Major UK law change on May 1 2026 means tenants 'can't be locked in or evicted without reason'The Renters' Rights Act takes effect from May 1 2026, banning no-fault evictions and introducing new rules on rent increases, notice periods and tenant selectionCommentsMoneySteven Smith Content Editor10:19, 20 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesSeveral key things will change(Image: Anadolu, Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)Landlords are being put on notice about sweeping changes arriving next month that experts are calling "the biggest reform in almost 40 years". The Renters' Rights Act comes into force in May, set to introduce significant new complexities for landlords and portfolio owners alike.‌Under the new legislation, all tenancies will shift to rolling assured periodic agreements, continuing on a month-to-month basis until brought to an end by either the tenant, with two months' notice, or the landlord, via a Section 8 notice with appropriate grounds - 'no-fault' evictions will no longer be permitted. Notice periods will also be overhauled, extending to four months where a property is being sold, or reducing to four weeks in cases of rental arrears.‌Further measures will impact day-to-day property management. Landlords will be limited to collecting just one month's rent in advance, rent increases will only be permitted once per year with two months' notice, and tenants will have the right to challenge any rises at a tribunal. Changes to tenant selection are also being introduced, including a ban on rejecting applicants based on children or benefit status, alongside a requirement to respond to statutory pet requests within 28 days, providing reasonable grounds for any refusal.‌View 3 ImagesTenants will have more rights(Image: Joe Giddens/PA)Giordan Boston, partner at Sampson Fielding, Chartered Accountants, said landlords were increasingly being restricted by red tape.He added: "Rental reforms from May 2026 will intro...