UK Renters' Rights Act & Section 21 Ban Guide
Understand your tenant rights under the Section 21 no-fault eviction ban, periodic tenancy rules, rental bidding war bans, and pet request rights.
Core Changes Under Renters' Rights Act
1. Section 21 Eviction Abolished
Landlords can no longer serve 2-month no-fault eviction notices. Possession is only granted via Section 8 with verified grounds (e.g. 3+ months rent arrears or landlord selling property).
2. End of Bidding Wars
Letting agents and landlords must advertise an explicit rent price and are legally forbidden from taking bids above the published price.
3. Open-Ended Periodic Tenancies
Fixed 12-month AST contracts are gone. All tenancies are periodic, allowing tenants to leave at any time with 2 months' notice.
4. Statutory Right to Request Pets
Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pets. Requests must be answered within 28 days, and landlords can require pet insurance.
New Section 8 Eviction Grounds Matrix
Awaab's Law & Decent Homes Standard
Awaab's Law Applied to Private Renting
Landlords are legally required to investigate and repair hazardous damp and mould within strict mandatory timeframes (e.g. 14 days to investigate, 7 days to repair).
Decent Homes Standard Extension
For the first time, the Decent Homes Standard is extended to the private rented sector, giving local councils power to fine rogue landlords up to £7,000 for substandard properties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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