Renters' Rights Act: deposit protection and rent-increase rules now in force
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Private tenants in England now have periodic tenancies by default, limits on rent increases, and stronger deposit protection. Landlords must use a government-approved scheme and return deposits within set time limits.
By Money Guide editorial team
Published:
The Renters' Rights Act reforms are now operational for most private tenancies in England. New tenancies are periodic from the start, and existing assured shorthold tenancies have converted. Section 21 'no-fault' evictions have ended.
Deposits for assured shorthold tenancies must still be protected in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receipt, with prescribed information given to the tenant. Failure can limit a landlord's ability to recover possession and may entitle the tenant to compensation of one to three times the deposit.
Rent increases are limited to once per year and must follow the formal Section 13 process. Tenants can challenge excessive increases at the First-tier Tribunal. A national landlord register and private rented sector ombudsman are being rolled out.
Tenants who receive a possession notice should not leave unless legally required to. Free advice is available from Shelter, Citizens Advice and local councils. Check gov.uk for the full list of grounds on which a landlord can seek possession.