This guidance explains what the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 means for private tenants living in Colchester. The Act represents a significant reform of private renting in England and its first phase started on 1 May 2026. It strengthens tenant security, improves fairness in renting, and gives councils new enforcement duties.
Who this guidance applies to
The Renters’ Rights Act applies to private rented homes in England. It does not apply if you:
- Rent from the local council or a housing association
- Are a lodger living with your landlord
- Live in most student halls or certain exempt accommodation
Key changes from 1 May 2026
1. Greater security, no more ‘no‑fault’ evictions
- Section 21 ‘no‑fault’ evictions have been abolished.
- Your landlord can no longer evict you without a valid legal reason.
- All existing and new private tenancies are now assured periodic tenancies, commonly called rolling tenancies.
- You do not need to sign a new agreement if you already have one, the change applies automatically.
- If your landlord wants possession, they must use a Section 8 notice and prove a specific ground, such as selling the property, serious rent arrears, or anti‑social behaviour.
Valid eviction notices served before 1 May 2026 remain lawful, but no new Section 21 notices can be issued after that date.
2. Changes to ending a tenancy
- You can end your tenancy by giving two months’ notice in writing.
- Under the new periodic tenancy system, your notice does not need to end on the last day of a rental period (unless your agreement says otherwise).
- For many landlord possession grounds, landlords must give at least four months’ notice. Shorter notice can apply for some serious grounds (for example, certain anti-social behaviour grounds).
3. Fairer rent rules
From 1 May 2026:
- Rent can only be increased once in a 12‑month period.
- Landlords must use the statutory Section 13 process and provide at least two months’ notice.
- Rent increases must reflect the local market level.
- You can challenge an unfair rent increase at the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
- Rent bidding is banned: landlords and agents must not ask for or accept offers above the advertised rent.
- Landlords and agents must not require more than one month’s rent in advance as a condition of granting a new tenancy. They must also not take rent payments before the tenancy has been agreed.
4. Protection from discrimination
It is now unlawful for landlords or agents to refuse to rent to you simply because:
- You have children, or
- You receive benefits such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
Adverts stating ‘no DSS’, ‘no children’, or similar exclusions are not permitted.
5. Pets in rented homes
- You have a strengthened right to request permission to keep a pet.
- Your landlord must consider the request fairly and cannot unreasonably refuse.
- Landlords can set reasonable conditions where appropriate. For example, they may ask for information that helps them assess any risks or lease restrictions.
Property standards and repairs
The Act strengthens enforcement of housing standards, building on existing legal duties.
Landlords must ensure homes are:
- Safe and free from serious hazards
- Fit for human habitation
- Properly maintained, including timely action on damp and mould
Further standards, including the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law timeframes, will be introduced in later phases.
What your landlord must provide
- A government‑issued Information Sheet explaining your rights, this must be given by 31 May 2026 for existing tenants.
- Written details of key tenancy terms if you do not already have them.
Failure to provide this information can result in enforcement action by the Council.
What to do if you think your landlord is breaking the law
- Raise the issue with your landlord or managing agent first, keeping records where possible.
- Get independent advice from:
- If the issue relates to housing conditions, illegal eviction, harassment, or a breach of the Act, you can report it to the Council’s Private Sector Housing team.
- Shelter (housing rights and legal support)
- Citizens Advice
The Council now has a legal duty to investigate and enforce offences under the Renters’ Rights Act, with powers to issue civil penalties and take formal action where necessary.
Important note
This document is general information, not legal advice. If you need advice about your specific situation, get independent advice (for example, from Shelter, Citizens Advice, or a solicitor).
The Council does not set private rents or intervene in purely private disputes. Enforcement focuses on breaches of housing law and tenant protections under the Renters’ Rights Act.