Your core rights
Right to a safe, habitable home. Your landlord must ensure the property meets basic standards of fitness under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. This covers structural safety, freedom from damp and mould, adequate heating, and working sanitation.
Right to quiet enjoyment. Your landlord cannot enter your home without at least 24 hours' notice and your consent, except in genuine emergencies. You have the right to live in the property without interference.
Right to a protected deposit. Your deposit must be registered with DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS within 30 days. You must receive prescribed information about the scheme. If your landlord fails to do this, you can claim 1-3x the deposit amount.
Right to fair treatment. From May 2026, it is illegal to refuse tenants because they receive benefits or have children. Discriminatory letting practices are now unlawful.
Right to essential information. Your landlord must provide a Gas Safety Certificate, Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), and the government's How to Rent guide before the tenancy starts.
New rights from May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 adds significant new protections:
• No-fault evictions abolished — Section 21 can no longer be used. Your landlord needs a valid reason to evict you.
• Periodic tenancies — all tenancies become rolling with no end date. You can leave with 2 months' notice at any time.
• Rent increases limited — once per year only, via formal Section 13 notice with 2 months' warning.
• Right to request a pet — landlords must consider your request fairly and respond within 42 days.
• Written agreement required — failure to provide one is an offence (up to £7,000 fine).
• Retaliatory eviction protection — your landlord cannot evict you for complaining about repairs.
• Rental bidding banned — landlords must advertise a set price and cannot accept offers above it.
Coming later in 2026
Landlord Database — a national register so you can check who you're renting from. PRS Ombudsman — resolve disputes without going to court. Decent Homes Standard — minimum property condition standards extended to private rentals. Awaab's Law — strict timelines for landlords to fix dangerous hazards like damp and mould.
Where to get help
Shelter — free housing advice helpline: 0808 800 4444. Citizens Advice — free, independent advice on all tenant issues. Your local council — Environmental Health team for property condition complaints. First-tier Tribunal — for rent increase challenges and fitness for habitation claims.