These new laws give tenants in the private rented sector more rights, including ending fixed-term tenancies and abolishing “no fault” evictions. As this phase only applies to the private rented sector, most of our customers are not impacted. However, we do have a small number of Plumlife customers who are affected because of their tenancy type (market rent). If you are impacted, we will write to you before 31 May 2026 to explain what the changes mean and to share the government’s information leaflet, which you can see here.
If you’re a Great Places customer on a different type of tenancy, please be reassured that social housing tenancies already offer strong protections and long-term security, so you’re not missing out – the changes simply bring the private rented sector closer to the standards social housing customers already have.
We’ve compiled some Frequently Asked Questions below to provide more information – if you have any further queries, please get in touch.
From 1 May 2026, the government implemented phase 1 of some new legislation called the Renters’ Rights Act. This law gives tenants additional rights and changes some of the rules that landlords must follow.
The changes apply automatically by law.
If you rent your home from us at market rent and hold an assured or assured shorthold tenancy, these changes apply to you.
They do not usually apply to customers renting homes at:
Assured Shorthold Tenancies were replaced for private rented tenants on 1 May 2026. At this point, any tenancy previously called an Assured Shorthold Tenancy automatically became an Assured Periodic Tenancy. Tenancies will not end because of this change.
We will write to all customers who are impacted by the changes and share the Government’s information sheet, before 31 May 2026. We will also send an email to those impacted that we hold an email address for.
If you are unsure about what type of tenancy you hold with us, you can check by making contact with the Plumlife Directory Team, who will be happy to help.
You can find detailed guidance, example forms and links to free advice services on GOV.UK. You can also contact us directly, via the Plumlife Directory.
If you’re a social housing customer with Great Places, we want to reassure you that these changes do not apply to you and your tenancy is not changing.
The new law affects people renting in the private rented sector, such as market rent homes. Social housing tenancies already offer strong protections and long‑term security, so you’re not missing out – private renting is being brought closer to the standards social housing customers already have.
✅ No action is needed
✅ There are no changes to your tenancy
If you have any questions, our Customer Hub team is always happy to help.
Key headlines are:
No. You do not need to sign a new agreement. The new rules apply automatically, even if your existing tenancy agreement is not updated.
If you do not have a written tenancy agreement, your landlord must provide certain written information by 31 May 2026; if you are one of our impacted Plumlife Market Rent customers, you will receive your letter in the post from us by that date.
It is important to note that your tenancy will not end because of these changes. From 1 May 2026, Assured Shorthold Tenancies were replaced for private rented tenants and all tenancies automatically became rolling tenancies (sometimes known as ‘periodic tenancies’). Key points to note are:
No. From 1 May 2026, landlords in the private rented sector cannot use “section 21” (no‑fault) evictions.
Therefore, if your landlord wants to end your tenancy, they must have a valid legal reason, known as a ground for possession, and must give you the correct notice.
Some examples of legal reasons include:
In some cases, landlords may also seek possession if they want to sell the property, but not during the first 12 months of a tenancy.
All evictions must follow a legal process, and landlords must provide evidence if the case goes to court.
This depends on the legal reason being used. Your landlord must:
If you do not leave by the notice date, your landlord must apply to court for a possession order.
Yes, but the rules have changed.
From 1 May 2026:
Any rent increase must be in line with open market rent.
If you believe a proposed rent increase is above market rate, you have the right to challenge it at the First‑tier Tribunal.
Details of how to do this are available on GOV.UK.
Yes, you will be able to end the tenancy at any point by giving your landlord notice.
This must be done:
You will need to give your landlord at least 2 months’ notice.
You can agree a shorter notice period with the landlord in writing, as long as any other tenants named on the tenancy agreement also agree.
From 1 May 2026, you have the right to request permission to keep a pet.
Your landlord:
If you believe a request has been unreasonably refused, you can challenge this decision in court.
If you still have queries, please contact the Plumlife Directory and the team will be happy to help.
