Renting property in Leeds?
Your rights are about to change.
The Renters’ Rights Act is a new law aimed at improving the rights of tenants in the private rented sector in England and Wales.
Key changes from this act will come into force on 1 May 2026.
Whether you’re living alone, sharing a house with others, or about to start or end a contract- it’s important to understand what, why, and how these changes will affect you.
So, what will change for you?
End of Section 21 evictions
Your landlord cannot evict you without a valid reason, meaning more security for renters.
Landlords can still evict you for other reasons such as rent arrears, antisocial behaviour, selling the property, or if they need the property for themselves or their family to live in.
They can also serve notice to end some student tenancies at the end of the academic year.
Smaller Households & Living With Non-Students
Live alone, with one other person, or with any group of non-students?
Your landlord cannot end your tenancy without a reason.
Student HMOs (House in Multiple Occupation)
Live with 2+ other students?
Your landlord can end your tenancy at the end of the academic year, but must give you notice that they plan to do this.
This is known as “using Ground 4A.”
Purpose Built Student Accommodation
(Where the provider is a member of the National Code and this is not allocated by The University)
This will treated the same as HMOs this year, if your contract was signed before 1 May.
If your contract was signed after 1 May, landlords can arrange fixed-term tenancies, and you don’t have the right to give two months notice to leave.
PBSA where the provider is not a code member it is treated the same as non-student accommodation.
Ending Your Current Contract
If you want to leave at the end of your current fixed term, but your landlord does not give notice, YOU must give notice.
You must give 2 months notice, so if your contract ends at the end of June you must do this immediately on 1 May.
Notice Periods
Does your landlord want you to leave by the end of July?
Even if you currently have a fixed term, the landlord must give you a valid notice to end your tenancy.
This must either be using Ground 4a or serving you a Section 21 before 1 May.
2 Months Notice
Unhappy or leaving university? You may be able to give 2 months notice to leave, depending on the type of accommodation.
If you share a house on a joint contract this will end the tenancy for everyone, so you need to be aware this could affect you if a housemate moves.
Rent Bidding, Rent and Sign Ups
Landlords cannot ask for more than the advertised rent or pressure you to outbid others.
Landlords can ask for maximum 1 month of rent paid upfront. They cannot request large payments in place of a guarantor.
You can pay more if you choose, for example, if you would like to pay termly.
Still unsure about what will affect you?
Women’s Health Campaign – Let’s Endo The Stigma! Period.
A Statement From Your Student Executive
