Tenant FAQs for the Renters' Rights Act 🙋🙋♀️✅
#CAVENDISHEXPERTS! The logical choice for Lettings, Sales and Property Management in Nottingham | Cavendish Residential | One Fletcher Gate NG1 1QS | 0115 941 0656 | www.cavendishproperty.co.uk
This Tenant guide is based on insights from a recent Rightmove webinar featuring leading property lawyer David Smith and industry expert Susie Crolla, combined with the Government Information Sheet that we will issue to tenants - this is an official document explaining how the new law affects your tenancy.
With the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on 1 May 2026, this is one of the biggest changes to renting in years.
Firstly, let's introduce the government's Tenant information sheet... You can download it here 📩
Our aim is simple: to explain what this means for you in a clear, practical way and so, we have created a set of Frequently Asked Questions with answers that we think you may find useful:
Q. Do these new rules actually apply to my tenancy?
A. Yes, the Renters' Rights Act changes apply automatically to your tenancy.
Q. What happens to my current tenancy after 1st May 2026?
A. Your current 'Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)' will become an 'Assured Periodic Tenancy' (APT).
Q. What does that actually mean?
A. According to the Government Information Sheet:
Your fixed term will fall away and will no longer apply
Your tenancy will continue on a rolling periodic basis
A Landlord cannot evict you without providing a valid reason
You can leave by submitting a 2 month notice to run inline with your tenancy period
Your Landlord would have to give a valid legal reason (see the information sheet for the notice periods that a Landlord would have to serve you)
You and your Landlord are still free to end the tenancy at any time as long as you both agree to it
Note: the Renters' Rights Act gives you more protection under the APT than your current AST
Importantly, your tenancy does not end just because the law changes.
Q. When will I receive it?
A. By 31 May 2026 at the latest.
Q. Can my rent still increase?
A. Yes — but the process is changing.
Rent increases must be done using Section 13 (Form 4A)
Your landlord must give at least 2 months’ notice
Rent can only be increased once per year
The increase must reflect market rent
Q. Can I challenge a rent increase?
A. Yes. The Government confirms you can challenge increases at the First-tier Tribunal if you believe they are above market rate.
Q. How can a Landlord evict me under the Renters' Rights Act?
A. Your landlord must now have a valid reason (ground) to start the eviction process and use a Section 8 notice. Common reasons could be:
Rent not being paid
Anti-social behaviour
Damage to the property
If the Landlord decides to sell the property or move into it themselves (not available to the Landlord for the first 12 months - this is a key protection many tenants are not aware of)
Q. What Happens If a Landlord Serves Notice, do I have to leave immediately?
A. No. A Section 8 notice must include a date to leave.
Q. Can I get help if this happens?
A. Yes. Free legal advice is available through the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service.
Q. Can I leave whenever I want?
A. With proper notice... the government says you must:
Give at least 2 months’ notice
End the tenancy on a rent day (or the day before)
Give notice in writing (email or letter)
Q. Can landlords ask for large amounts of rent upfront?
A. No. As covered in the Rightmove materials, landlords cannot require more than one month’s rent upfront from 1 May 2026.
Q. Can I ask to keep a pet?
A. Yes. The Government confirms:
You have the right to request a pet
Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse
They must respond in writing
Summary
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces:
More security for tenants
More transparency (clear rent and tenancy rules)
More structure (formal processes for notice and rent increases)
The key message from both the Government and the Rightmove webinar is: your tenancy continues — but the system around it becomes more structured and regulated.
Need help? If you have any questions about your tenancy or how these changes affect you, our team is here to help. Email Gary (gary.pringle@cavendishproperty.co.uk) for more information ✅
📸 Rosie, Lisa and Gary at Cavendish Residential's offices: One Fletcher Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QS
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#CAVENDISHEXPERTS! The logical choice for Lettings, Sales and Property Management in Nottingham | Cavendish Residential | One Fletcher Gate NG1 1QS | 0115 941 0656 | www.cavendishproperty.co.uk
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