Across England, changes to private tenancies and landlords’ responsibilities came into effect through the Renters’ Rights Act at the start of May.
Among the key changes are that tenancies will automatically roll on, month by month, with no end date. The tenancy can continue until:
- the tenant and landlord decide together to end the tenancy
- the tenant gives notice
- the landlord ends the tenancy using a valid legal reason.
The reasons permitted to end a tenancy have changed. To evict a tenant, landlords will need to give one or more of the approved reasons to regain possession. The notice period they give the tenants must reflect each reason.
Tenants will also have the right to ask their landlords if they can keep a pet, and landlords shouldn’t unreasonably refuse such requests.
Full-time students can be evicted at the end of the academic year if the landlord gives them 4 months’ notice. These new rules don’t apply to social tenants or lodgers.
Landlords who don’t follow the Renters’ Rights Act face higher penalties than previously. Until May, non-compliant landlords had to be given advice and warnings before being fined, but now, breaches of the law will be more swiftly enforced with penalties up to £40,000.
The Government has produced an information sheet which landlords must email as a pdf, or hand out in print to all their tenants by 31 May 2026. Failure to do so could result in a £7,000 fine.
To help landlords and letting agents understand these changes and help them inform their tenants, the Council is running training sessions.
Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said:
Here in York, 20% or 17,000 homes, are privately-rented. They are in very high demand as those looking for a rental property will know. This new legislation gives tenants more rights and security - if they honour their contracts.
“We’re also supporting landlords and so far, we have trained 200 to help them understand and act on their new obligations. They in turn must help make their tenants aware of these changes.”
Andy Simpson, Chair of York Residential Landlords Association (RLA), said:
York RLA recognises that the Renters’ Rights Act represents a significant change for both tenants and landlords.
“Landlords will want to see the new system work well, with tenants having clear information about their rights and responsible landlords having clear guidance on what is required of them. It is important that landlords receive clear communication well in advance of changes taking effect, so they have the time and certainty needed to prepare properly. These reforms must be implemented in a fair, practical and proportionate way, with good landlords supported to continue providing much-needed homes in York.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Council on the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, with the aim of securing positive outcomes for both tenants and landlords.”
Find out more about the new Act and its requirements online here.