Introduction
For tenants in England, the rental market is undergoing substantial change. The evolving legal framework, shifting landlord practices, and economic pressures are reshaping what life is like for people renting homes. This blog explores what tenants should know about their rights, what challenges lie ahead, and where things are improving.

Tenant Rights & Protections Under New Legislation

• Longer Tenure & Security: With the move to periodic tenancies and the abolition of no-fault evictions (Section 21), tenants will enjoy more security and the ability to stay in their homes unless there are specific grounds for eviction.
• Protection from Unfair Rent Practices: Rent increases will be regulated more strictly: landlords can raise rent only once a year, new bidding wars should be prohibited, and tenants have the right to challenge rents they think are above market.
• Stronger Standards for Housing Conditions: Proposals include clearer standards for safety, heating, ventilation, mould etc. Tenants will have better recourse to enforcement if their landlord fails to maintain decent conditions.

Current Challenges for Tenants

• Affordability Pressure: Rents have continued to rise overall, especially in high-demand areas like London. Some tenants reliant on housing benefit are finding that many private rentals are no longer affordable.
• Supply Constraints: With some landlords exiting the market, removing properties from listings, or holding off investment, the number of rental properties available is decreasing in many regions, pushing up competition and costs.
• Quality and Insecurity: Despite the reforms, many tenants still experience poor quality housing (e.g. damp, inadequate heating), frequent moves, or insecurity over evictions — particularly for vulnerable groups.

What to Look Out For as a Tenant

• Know Your Tenancy Type: Understand whether it’s fixed term or periodic, and what notice is required if you want to leave, or if the landlord wants possession. Post-Bill laws will make fixed term ASTs convert to periodic ones.
• Check Rent Increase Clauses: Since rent rises will be limited in frequency and must be fair/market rate, ensure any contracts or notices comply. Be aware of how to challenge unfair increases.
• Inspect Property Condition & Ask Questions Early: Use inventories, demand proper safety checks, and insist on repairs. Document everything.
• Know Your Rights to Pets, Family, Benefits: The reforms include protections or expansions in some of these areas — for example, limiting discrimination, allowing tenants on benefits, better protection for family life.

Why This Matters

For tenants, the changes bring more stability, more rights around eviction and rent increases, and potentially better housing conditions. But there is also risk: with rising costs, fewer available homes, and landlords adjusting strategy, there may be fewer options and more competition. The best outcome depends on tenants being well informed, knowing their rights, and choosing reliable landlords or agents.