What changed for landlords on 1 May 2026.

• Section 21 abolished

  Section 21 "no fault" notices can no longer be used. Possession is sought under Section 8 using one of the statutory grounds.

• Assured periodic tenancies

  New mainstream private tenancies are assured periodic tenancies with no fixed term. Tenants may end the tenancy by giving two months' notice.

• No offers above the advertised rent

  A property must be advertised at a stated rent, and rent above that advertised amount cannot be invited or accepted. Bidding and best-offer processes are not permitted.

• Rent in advance capped

  Rent cannot be requested or accepted before the tenancy agreement is entered into. Once it is signed, no more than one rent period of initial rent may be requested before the tenancy starts.

• Arrears possession threshold raised

  The mandatory rent arrears ground now requires three months' arrears, increased from two.

• Strengthened pet request rights

  A tenant may request to keep a pet. The request must be considered on its facts and cannot be refused unreasonably, with a decision given within 28 days.

• PRS Database

  A Private Rented Sector Database for landlords and properties is expected later in 2026. Registration requirements will apply once it is in operation.

This page is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Check GOV.UK for the current position and take independent advice on specific tenancies.