From Friday 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) will come into effect across England, bringing in new rights and responsibilities for tenants, landlords and letting agents. 

The changes are designed to provide tenants with greater security and fairness, while ensuring landlords have clear guidance on their obligations. The council also has new powers to ensure compliance and take enforcement action where landlords do not meet the required standards. 

What’s changing for tenants and landlords: 

• An end to "no-fault" evictions. Landlords can now only evict tenants for a legal reason, such as anti-social behaviour, non-payment of rent or if they intend to sell the property. Section 21 evictions are abolished.
• End of fixed-term tenancy contracts, replaced with open ended ‘rolling’ tenancies. Existing fixed-term tenancies will automatically transfer on 1 May 2026.
• Rental bidding is now banned. Landlords and letting agents must publish the asking rent for the property in any written adverts and can only let a property on the advertised rent.
• Rent increases limited to once per year with two months’ notice required.
• A new right for tenants to request a pet in their home.
• End to discriminatory practices, including discriminating against benefits claimants and parents.
• Enhanced investigatory powers for council officers. 

Supporting landlords to understand the changes
To support local landlords and agents with these changes, earlier this week the council hosted a landlord update and networking event at Leyton Orient Football Club. The free evening event brought together landlords, agents and housing professionals to hear directly from national and local experts about what the Renters’ Rights Act means in practice, alongside guidance on property standards, damp and mould responsibilities, and the support and incentives available to landlords working with the council. Events like this form part of the council’s ongoing work to help landlords stay informed, compliant and connected as the private rented sector continues to change.

Further information and support

• The Government has published a new online ‘housing hub’ containing useful information for tenants and landlords, covering in detail the changes that the RRA is bringing in. Housing hub – info for tenants and landlords
• Private landlords are required to have sent this information sheet explaining the changes to all their tenants by the end of May 2026.
• Visit our website for more information regarding Private Sector Housing in Waltham Forest. 

Reporting problems in private rented homes
If you are a tenant and need to report an issue with your property or a neighbouring property, you can: 

• Report an issue with a privately rented property
• Report harassment from landlords
• Email propertylicensing@walthamforest.gov.uk
• Call 020 8496 4949

The council will continue working with tenants, landlords and partners to raise awareness of the new law and support improvements across the private rented sector.