The new renting rules in plain English

UK The advice on this site is written for the United Kingdom, mainly England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules — use the official guidance for the nation you live in, starting with GOV.UK.

US Tenant and landlord law varies by state, and sometimes by city. For federal housing information see HUD’s tenant rights page, then check your state attorney general or housing department for the local rules.

Australia Tenancy law varies by state and territory. Start with the official body where you live: NSW Fair Trading (NSW Government renting guidance), Consumer Affairs Victoria, Queensland’s Residential Tenancies Authority, Consumer and Business Services South Australia, or Consumer Protection Western Australia. Other territories have their own tenancy authorities.

Canada Tenancy law varies by province and territory. Start with the official guidance where you live: Renting in Ontario: your rights, British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Branch, Québec’s Tribunal administratif du logement, or Alberta’s information for landlords and tenants. For a national overview see CMHC’s landlord and tenant responsibilities. Other provinces and territories have their own tenancy authorities.

New Zealand Tenancy rules are set nationally. Start with official Tenancy Services guidance for tenants and landlords.

Ireland Start with the official Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Citizens Information also explains renting in Ireland in plain English.

We may earn from shop links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 changed how private renting works in England from 1 May 2026. This page is a short, plain-English pointer to the official overviews. It is not a complete legal briefing, and the detail lives on GOV.UK, which is updated as later phases arrive.

Your call

Go or no?

If it is a small, safe job that is yours to do, give it a go. We’ll point you to a beginner guide and a short shopping list. If you’d rather not, or the work needs a trade, say no and we’ll help you find someone local. If the job is the landlord’s, report it to them first.

Right then. Here’s a sensible starter kit, and links to the relevant guides.

No problem. We’ll show you how to find a local tradesperson.

This is about England

Most of what follows is written for private renting in England. It is general information, not legal advice, and it is not a ruling on your tenancy. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules — use the official guidance for the nation you live in. The country notes at the top of this page point to official starting points elsewhere too.

What changed on 1 May 2026

Official GOV.UK guidance for landlords and for tenants explains the Phase 1 changes. In outline, most private tenancies in England became (or are now agreed as) assured periodic, rolling tenancies, rather than fixed-term assured shortholds. Section 21 “no fault” notices are no longer available for these tenancies. If you need possession, you have to use a valid ground and the correct section 8 process. There are also rules on rent in advance, information you must give tenants, and discrimination against tenants who receive benefits or have children.

Most landlords and agents had to give existing tenants the official Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet by 31 May 2026. The official PDF must come from the GOV.UK page — not a rewritten summary, and not just a link in a text message.

Read the official pages, not a recap alone

Possession grounds, notice periods, rent increases and enforcement all have detail that this site should not try to shortcut. Start with the official landlord overview, the information sheet, and, if you are seeking possession, the official guidance on repossessing a property after 1 May 2026.

Awaab’s Law and the Decent Homes Standard

These are often mentioned in the same breath as the Act, but they are not all already in force for every private landlord. Awaab’s Law already applies in social housing. The Act includes powers to extend it to private rented homes; in October 2026 the government was still consulting on how and when. A modernised Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector is also planned as a later phase, subject to consultation. Do not ignore existing repair and hazard duties while you wait, and do watch GOV.UK for the regulations and dates that will apply to you.

If you use an agent

You can ask an agent to handle the paperwork, but you remain responsible for complying. Check they have issued the information sheet and that they understand the new possession rules. Official enforcement guidance explains that agents and others acting on your behalf can also be liable for some breaches.

Official guidance

These official and specialist pages are the best place to confirm the rules for your situation. We have used them as the starting point for this article.

GOV.UK: Renters’ Rights Act overview for landlords — the official starting point, in force from 1 May 2026
GOV.UK: Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants — the companion page you can also share with tenants
GOV.UK: The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 — the official sheet most landlords had to issue by 31 May 2026
GOV.UK: Repossessing your privately rented property after 1 May 2026 — official possession guidance
GOV.UK: Enforcement measures for landlords — breaches, offences and penalties
GOV.UK: Extending Awaab’s Law to private rented tenancies — consultation on future private-rented timescales

FAQ

Can I still use a six-month fixed term?

Official guidance is that new private tenancies of this kind are assured periodic, rolling tenancies, and you should not present them as a fixed term with an end date. Read the official overview rather than relying on an old template.

I already served a section 21 before 1 May 2026.

There is official guidance for notices served before that date, and for what happens if a notice is no longer valid. Use GOV.UK, not a guess.

Do I already have to meet Awaab’s Law timescales as a private landlord?

Not as a simple, already-in-force private-rented rulebook. Awaab’s Law applies in social housing; the private-rented extension was still being consulted on in October 2026. You do still have existing repair and hazard duties.

DIY guide and shopping list

For small, safe jobs that are yours to do, these beginner guides will walk you through it. Do not use them for gas work, the electrical installation, or a leak that is the landlord’s to fix.

Useful starting points: Unblock a sink, Fill cracks in walls, Reseal a bath, and Hang a curtain pole.

Prices below are typical UK ranges, shown so the page can convert them for your country. Always check the live product page before you buy.

Item	Why you need it	Typical UK price
Plunger or sink unblocking tool	Clears a simple blockage you have caused.	Typically £5–£12
Ready-mixed filler and a filling knife	Fills picture-hook holes and small dents.	Typically £5–£10
Sandpaper or a sanding block	Smooths dried filler so a touch-up will sit flat.	Typically £4–£8
Kitchen-and-bathroom silicone	For a failing bead you are allowed to renew, if the agreement says you can.	Typically £6–£12

Shop this list:

Would rather not DIY? Find a local tradesperson

If the job is yours but you would rather not do it, a local handyman or plumber can often deal with a small fix. If the job is the landlord’s, report it to them first — they may already have someone they use.

We may earn from shop links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure

General guidance only. Check our disclaimer.