News New Renters’ Rights Act brings greater security for renters and clarity for landlords
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is encouraging local renters and private landlords to familiarise themselves with major upcoming changes to renting laws as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force on 1 May 2026.
The Act represents the biggest shift in renting rules for more than 30 years and is designed to give renters greater security, reduce stress, and ensure a fairer, more stable private rented sector.
As April is Stress Awareness Month, the council is highlighting these changes early so that renters and landlords are confident and secure with their rights and responsibilities ahead of the implementation. Housing insecurity is a major contributor to stress nationwide, and the Act aims to reduce this by placing clarity, safety, and fairness at the heart of the private rented sector.
The key changes that renters and landlords need to know are as follows:
End of ‘no‑fault’ evictions
From 1 May 2026, Section 21 notices will be abolished. All evictions must follow updated Section 8 grounds, which require a clear, lawful reason.
This gives renters greater stability while ensuring landlords retain legitimate routes to regain possession when necessary.
All tenancies will become periodic (rolling)
Fixed‑term assured shorthold tenancies are being replaced with open‑ended periodic tenancies. Renters can give two months’ notice at any time, while landlords must use Section 8 grounds if they are seeking possession. Existing fixed‑term tenancies will automatically convert on 1 May 2026.
Rent increases
Landlords may only raise rent once per year, with renters having strengthened rights to challenge increases if they believe they are unfair.
Fairer rules on listings and rent offers
Landlords must stick to the advertised rent and bidding wars and offers above the listed price will no longer be allowed.
Greater access to pet ownership
Tenants will have the right to request a pet, and landlords must consider the request reasonably. Maidstone already leads the way in supporting pet owners through the John Chadwick Pet Policy, which protects homeless households with pets in emergency accommodation. These new national rules extend fairness and compassion into the wider private rented sector.
New support systems for renters and landlords
From late 2026, there will be two major services introduced as part of the Act: the Private Rented Sector Database, a national register of landlords and rental properties to increase transparency and the Private Landlord Ombudsman, a free, independent service which will be available to resolve disputes quickly and fairly without going to court.
Commenting on the changes in the Act, Cllr Simon Wales, MBC Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said:
We welcome the changes introduced in the Renters’ Rights Act to help protect our residents and provide support to private landlords. Housing insecurity is a key driver of stress for those facing rising costs, coupled with short-term contracts and the risk of eviction. Through a simpler, more transparent framework, there will be clearer guidelines and reduced disputes that will help everyone.
Private landlords also need to be aware of the requirement to provide The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 to their tenants, or that tenants have been given certain written information by 31 May 2026. Landlords are advised to obtain confirmation about which documents have been received by the tenant(s) and to keep a copy of this information for their records.
More information about the Act and what will be changing can be found on the GOV.UK website.
MBC is committed to providing Quality Homes For All and ensuring that everyone has access to a secure, high-quality and affordable home. The council’s Housing Teams are fully briefed on the changes and are available to support residents and landlords.
Contact the team on the MBC website or by calling 01622 602440.