Your Rights as a Renter in 2026
The Renters Reform Act 2025 (Renters Rights Bill) made significant changes to protect tenants. Here is what you need to know:
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Section 21 Abolished — No-fault evictions are now banned. Landlords must give a valid reason (such as rent arrears, antisocial behaviour or selling the property) to evict a tenant.
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Rent Increase Rules — Landlords can only increase rent once per year, and must use the formal Section 13 process. Tenants can challenge unfair rises at the First-tier Tribunal.
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Right to Keep Pets — Tenants now have the right to request permission to keep a well-behaved pet. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse, though they can require pet insurance.
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Decent Homes Standard — Private rental properties must meet the same Decent Homes Standard as social housing, ensuring safe, warm and weathertight accommodation.
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Deposit Protection — All deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme (DPS, mydeposits or TDS) within 30 days. Maximum deposit: 5 weeks rent (under £50,000 annual rent).
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Ombudsman Scheme — All private landlords must join a new landlord ombudsman scheme, giving tenants a formal dispute resolution route without going to court.
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Discrimination Ban — Landlords cannot refuse tenants because they receive benefits (including Universal Credit) or have children. Blanket "No DSS" policies are now illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent in the UK in 2026?
The average private rent in the UK is approximately £1,285 per month in 2026, based on Homelet and ONS private rental market survey data. London averages £2,100/month, while more affordable regions such as Northern Ireland average £750/month and Yorkshire £850/month.
How much is average rent in London in 2026?
Average private rent in London is approximately £2,100 per month in 2026, representing more than 45% of average take-home pay for a London worker on a median salary. One-bedroom flats average £1,800/month and two-bedroom properties average £2,200/month across Greater London.
What percentage of income should go on rent?
The standard guidance is that no more than 30% of gross income should be spent on rent. In practice the UK average is around 35% of take-home pay, rising to 45%+ in London. Many financial advisers recommend keeping total housing costs (rent plus bills) to under 50% of net pay to maintain a manageable budget.
What is the Renters Reform Act 2025?
The Renters Reform Act 2025 (Renters Rights Bill) is landmark legislation that abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions, gives tenants the right to keep pets, requires properties to meet Decent Homes Standards, limits rent increases to once per year, and requires all landlords to join an ombudsman scheme. It is the most significant change to tenant rights in England in decades.
How much can a landlord charge for a deposit?
UK law limits deposits to a maximum of 5 weeks rent for annual rent under £50,000 (6 weeks for higher-value tenancies). All deposits must be protected in a government-approved Deposit Protection Scheme within 30 days of receipt. The three approved schemes are DPS (Deposit Protection Service), mydeposits and TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme).
Are UK rents rising or falling in 2026?
After exceptional rent rises of 8-10% per year in 2023-2024, UK rental growth is slowing in 2025-2026. Annual growth is estimated at 3-5% nationally in 2026. Supply remains tight because fewer landlords are entering the market following higher stamp duty surcharges and the removal of mortgage interest tax relief for individual landlords.
What are the cheapest cities to rent in the UK?
The most affordable major UK cities to rent in 2026 include Newcastle (£800/month average), Cardiff (£900/month), Belfast (£750/month) and Birmingham (£950/month). These cities offer substantially lower rents than London and the South East while still providing good employment opportunities and amenities.