There’s a big shift coming to renting in England from the 1st May 2026. The new Renters’ Rights Act is set to change how contracts work, how secure you are in your home, and how much control landlords have.
Here’s what it means for those who rent private accommodation. Please note these changes do not apply to those living in Halls or Purpose-Built Student Accommodation.
You won’t be locked into a 12-month contract anymore
Right now, most students sign fixed-term contracts (usually a full year). Under the new system, that’s being scrapped.
Instead, you’ll be on a rolling contract, which means:
- You can leave when you want
- You just need to give 2 months’ notice
This is a big win if your plans change, like dropping out, switching courses, doing a placement, or just wanting to move.
No more being kicked out “just because”
At the moment, landlords can evict tenants without giving a reason (called a “no-fault eviction”). That’s ending.
From 2026:
- Landlords must have a proper reason to evict you
- For example, not paying rent or breaking the agreement
Rent increases won’t come out of nowhere
The new rules mean:
- Rent can only go up once a year
- You must get 2 months’ notice
- You can challenge unfair increases
What if you’re already renting?
If you’re in a house or flat when the law changes:
- Your contract will automatically switch to the new system
- If you are still planning to leave on the original contract end date stated in your current contract, we would recommend that it is good practise to inform your landlord by serving a notice to quit two months before the contract is due to end.
What this means for student life
This could seriously change how student housing works:
- Less pressure to sign a house a year in advance
- More freedom if your plans change
But also:
- Living with friends could get tricky if people leave at different times
- You’ll need to communicate more in-house shares
Your landlord or agency should have informed you of these changes by issuing tenants the Renters Right Act Information Sheet by the 31st May 2026.
Bottom line
This is one of the biggest renting changes in years, and for students, it’s mostly good news.
Just don’t forget: with more freedom comes a bit more responsibility (especially with notice periods and housemates). There are additional aspects to the Renters Reform Act; therefore, if you would like further information on how the Renters Reform or how the Advice Centre can support you, visit here.
