🏘️ Renting from a Private Landlord?

You probably have a tenancy called an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST).
Visit the Shelter website to learn more about the eviction process and your rights

📄 If Your Landlord Wants You to Leave

They must follow the law.
They might give you:

• A Section 21 notice – usually used to end a tenancy
• A Section 8 notice – often used if you owe rent

These notices must follow rules to be valid.
It’s important to get advice quickly.

⏳ You Don’t Have to Leave Right Away

If your notice ends and you have nowhere else to go, you can stay in your home.
Your landlord must go to court to ask for a Possession Order before you can be made to leave.

🆘 How We Can Help

If you get a notice:

Fill in our self-referral form on the Homelessness Advice page

One of our Housing Solutions Team will be able to:

• Check if the notice is valid
• Talk to your landlord and try to help
• Offer advice or book an appointment with a Housing Solutions Officer

Important Changes Coming for Private Renters and Landlords from 1st May 2026

The Renters Rights Act 2025 is bringing significant changes to the private rented sector.  These changes will affect most private tenants with an assured shorthold tenancy.

The main changes from 1st May 2026:

• Section 21 ’no fault’ evictions will be abolished.

• All private tenancies will change to assured periodic tenancies (this will happen automatically, even if you have previously signed an assured shorthold tenancy).

• Courts will only grant possession under legally defined grounds, such as:

- If the landlord is selling the property

- If the landlord, or a close family member, is moving into the property

- The tenant is in rent arrears or causes anti-social behaviour

• You will have the right to ask for permission to keep a pet.

• Your landlord can only put the rent up once a year and they must give you at least 2 months’ notice.

See Shelters website for detailed information about the Renters Rights Act and how this will affect you as a tenant.

🔗 Useful Links

• Citizens Advice
• The Renters’ Rights Act 2025