0121 248 00330121 248 0033We've checked everything here against government and parliamentary sources, and kept it to what's actually in force and what that means for your tenancy.
Last checked against gov.uk: 30 September 2026
Key dates
No-fault evictions have ended. If you need the property back, you now use the reformed Section 8 grounds, and each one has its own notice period and level of evidence.
Fixed terms became periodic tenancies on 1 May. Tenants can now leave on two months' notice, so your paperwork had to change too.
You can put the rent up once a year by the statutory route, with two months' notice, and the tenant can challenge it at tribunal. That makes timing and evidence much more important.
A tenant can ask in writing to keep a pet, and you can only refuse for a good reason, such as a head lease that bans pets. A blanket no-pets clause in an old agreement won't stand.
You can't turn someone down because they have children or are on benefits. You can still check they can afford it, as long as you check everyone the same way.
You can't ask for more than a month's rent up front, and you can only take it once the tenancy has been signed.
You have to advertise a set rent, and you can't invite or accept offers above it.
For some breaches, tenants and councils can now claim back up to 24 months' rent. That's double the old limit.
Councils have had new powers to investigate since December 2025, and they can fine up to £40,000 for serious or repeat breaches.
A plain-English guide to what's changed and what's still on the way, including the things you should already have done. Updated 30 September 2026.
Two hours with our lettings team going through the new rules. Bring your tenancy paperwork and you'll go home knowing what needs fixing. Put your name down and we'll tell you the next date before anyone else.