Private tenants

The Renters' Rights Act 

The Renters' Rights Act, which becomes law on Friday 1 May 2026, introduces major reforms in the private rented sector.

If you live in rented accommodation in Thurrock, or are looking to rent in the borough, these changes affect you.

What’s changing?

The Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into force on 1 May 2026, removes no‑fault (Section 21) evictions, moves all tenancies to rolling, periodic agreements, and ends rental bidding. Tenants will have greater security, the right to request a pet, and stronger protection from unfair rent increases, while landlords will be required to meet new legal obligations.

Key Changes and Tenant Rights (Starting 1 May 2026)

• No-Fault Evictions Banned: Landlords must use valid specific grounds to evict, with 4 months' notice required if they are selling or moving in, and this cannot happen within the first 12 months on a tenancy.
• Rolling Tenancies: Fixed-term tenancies are replaced by periodic, rolling agreements. Tenants can end the tenancy at any time with 2 months' notice.
• Rent Control Measures: Rents can only be increased once per year, and they must follow the market rate. Tenants can challenge unreasonable hikes.
• Rental Bidding Wars Banned: Landlords must list an asking price and are prohibited from encouraging or accepting higher bids.
• Pets & Discrimination: Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant's request for pets. It is illegal to refuse to rent to families with children or those on benefits.
• Information Rights: Tenants must receive a Mandatory Information Sheet Mandatory Information Sheet. at the start of a new tenancy (by 31 May 2026 for existing tenancies), explaining their rights.

If you need advice:

• Contact privatehousing@thurrock.gov.uk for tenancy complaints
• Contact housingoptions@thurrock.gov.uk for homeless advice

Further information:

• The legislation does not require landlords to change or re-issue any existing written tenancy agreement.
• If you have a tenancy based entirely on a verbal agreement, that was made before 1 May 2026, the landlord must provide written key terms. You can find out more about this by going to Tenancy agreements: written information for tenants.

Other elements of the Renters’ Rights Act will take effect in later phases.

In the future, a database of private landlords and an ombudsman will be introduced and Awaab’s Law, and the Decent Homes Standard will all be implemented in the private rented sector. Guidance will be published to help tenants and landlords understand what these changes mean for you and your business nearer the time.

Information and advice

Futher information on the changes: Renters Rights Act: private tenants - Shelter England

You can get independent information about your rights as private tenant by going to the London Landlords Accreditation Scheme tenants' portal.

For more advice, contact Thurrock Citizens Advice