Big Changes for Private Renters from May 2026 – What Tenants Need to Know

Major reforms to England’s private rented sector are coming into force on 1 May 2026, bringing new rights and protections for most tenants. The changes are introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and apply automatically by law – even if your tenancy agreement is not updated.

Goodbye fixed-term tenancies

From 1 May 2026, private rented homes will no longer be let on fixed-term contracts. All assured and Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will become rolling (periodic) tenancies, usually running month to month. Any end date in your current agreement will no longer apply. These changes will be automatic without ending your current tenancy or requiring you to sign a new contract. Your tenancy will continue until you choose to leave, you and your landlord agree to end it, or the landlord has a valid legal reason to seek possession.

Stronger protections against evictions

So‑called “no‑fault” evictions are ending. From 1 May 2026, it will be illegal for landlords to use a Section 21 notice to evict tenants. Instead, landlords must rely on specific legal grounds for possession, such as serious rent arrears, antisocial behaviour or property damage. Some grounds – including wanting to sell the property or move a family member in – cannot be used in the first 12 months of a tenancy.

All evictions will require a Section 8 notice, the correct notice period and, if you do not leave, approval from a court. Landlords must prove their case, and tenants can challenge evictions they believe are unfair.

Changes to rent increases

After 1 May 2026, rent review clauses can no longer be used. Landlords will have to follow a formal legal process to increase rent. Increases will be limited to once per year, must come with at least two months’ written notice, and must not exceed market rent. Tenants will have the right to challenge higher rents at the First-tier Tribunal.

More flexibility and new pet rights

Tenants will be able to end their tenancy at any time by giving at least two months’ written notice, timed to end on or just before a rent day. Shorter notice periods can be agreed in writing. From 1 May 2026, tenants will also gain the right to request a pet, and landlords will not be able to refuse unreasonably.

Support and advice

If you need help or believe your rights are not being respected, free advice is available from Shelter(External link) and the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service(External link). Coventry tenants can also contact the City Council’s Housing Enforcement Team(External link) or HMO Team(External link) to report disrepair, unlicensed HMOs or other concerns.

Coventry City Council are developing a long-term vision and plan and aiming to produce a 5-year Carers Strategy, delivered by a multi-agency steering group.

The strategy will support to:

• Embed the voices of Coventry residents into a long-term vision for carers
• Inform and develop our commissioned services during the duration of their contract cycle
• Continue the momentum of system led improvement for carers
• Evaluate project support from Accelerated Reform Fund projects and embed learning
• Strengthen council wide and partner approaches to Young Carers

We are asking for the views of current carers, former carers, and those who may care in the future.

Complete the survey here - https://letstalk.coventry.gov.uk/carers-strategy-2026-2031/surveys/carers-strategy-2026-203