Renters' Rights Act - your advertising responsibilities
Large parts of the Renters' Rights Act come into force on 1 May 2026, introducing a wide range of changes in England to improve fairness and security for tenants.
Some of the key changes include replacing fixed-term tenancies with rolling periodic tenancies, limiting rent increases, removing no-fault evictions and banning inviting and accepting offers above the advertised rent. Find out more about all the changes here.
Check your ad complies:
We recommend reviewing your ad description to ensure it aligns with the latest rules.
Remove any fixed-term language. References to minimum or maximum stays no longer apply - all tenancies are now periodic.
Don't invite (or accept) offers above the advertised rent. Any wording that suggests or encourages bids over your listed price is now banned.
State any rent variations clearly. As you can only charge the rent advertised, if the rent differs depending on the number of occupants (e.g. a higher rate for couples), this must be explicitly set out in your ad.
Don't apply blanket restrictions on children. You cannot advertise a flat "no children" rule. Suitability for children must be assessed on a case-by-case basis - and can only be excluded if there's a genuine, specific reason.*
Don't refuse tenants on housing benefits. Blanket "no DSS" or benefits-exclusion policies are now illegal.*
Avoid "no pets" language. Tenants now have the right to request a pet, and landlords cannot refuse without good reason. If there are genuine restrictions at your property - such as a housemate with a severe allergy, or limited space for larger animals - please make sure these are clearly explained in your ad description. Learn more here.
Do not request rent before the tenancy agreement has been signed or require lump-sum rent payments. Rent cannot be collected prior to a signed agreement, and you must not ask for more than one month's rent in advance.
Taking a few moments to review and update your ad will help ensure it remains clear, fair, and compliant with current legislation.
*The Renters’ Rights Act ban on discrimination against tenants with children and tenants receiving housing benefits comes into effect in England and Scotland from 1 May, with similar measures expected in Wales from 1 June.
For more information on the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, visit our Renters’ Rights Act hub.
Resident Landlords
If you rent out a room in your own home and live there yourself, your tenants are classed as lodgers - not tenants - and these rules don't apply to you. The Renters' Rights Act covers assured tenancies only. If you're not sure whether your arrangement counts as an assured tenancy or a lodger agreement, it's worth checking before assuming these rules don't apply.
Disclaimer - This is for general information purposes only and shouldn't be treated as legal advice. We recommend you consult an experienced solicitor if you need specific legal advice.