Understanding your rights as a tenant is essential when renting a home. Whether you are moving into your first flat, renewing your rental arrangements or already living in a privately rented property, knowing where you stand can help you feel more confident and secure.
For tenants in Bayswater and across London, renters’ rights cover a range of important issues, including rent increases, repairs, tenancy agreements, deposits, privacy and protection from eviction.
The law has also changed significantly following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, with major reforms taking effect in England on 1 May 2026.
At The Property Album, we believe that clear communication and a good understanding between landlords and tenants help create a more positive renting experience. Here is an overview of some of the key rights every private renter should know.
1. Your Right to a Safe and Well-Maintained Home
Landlords have legal responsibilities to ensure that their rental properties meet applicable health and safety standards.
Depending on the property and the circumstances, these responsibilities include maintaining the structure and exterior, keeping essential installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation and heating in proper repair, and meeting relevant safety requirements.
If you notice a problem such as a leaking roof, faulty heating, damp or an electrical issue, report it to your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible. Keep a written record of your communication and any photographs that may help explain the problem.
Landlords should respond appropriately and arrange necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe, taking account of the seriousness of the issue and their legal obligations.
Tenants also have responsibilities, including looking after the property, reporting problems promptly and avoiding damage beyond fair wear and tear.
2. Your Rights When It Comes to Rent Increases
Rent increases are a common concern for tenants, particularly in London, where housing costs can represent a significant part of a household's budget.
Under the new rules for most private assured periodic tenancies in England, landlords can generally increase rent only once in any 12-month period, and not during the first 12 months of a new tenancy.
A landlord must use the correct legal procedure and give at least two months’ notice of a proposed increase. The increase must follow the statutory process, and tenants can challenge a proposed rent that exceeds the open-market rent through the First-tier Tribunal.
Landlords cannot simply increase the rent whenever they wish or require tenants to agree to an increase outside the applicable legal rules.
If you receive notice of a rent increase, check the paperwork carefully and seek advice if you believe the process is incorrect or the proposed amount is unreasonable.
3. Protection Against Eviction
One of the most significant changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act is the end of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions for the relevant private tenancies from 1 May 2026.
Previously, landlords could use Section 21 to seek possession without having to establish a specific reason, provided the legal requirements were met.
Under the new system, landlords generally need a valid legal ground to recover possession of a property. These grounds can include circumstances such as rent arrears, certain breaches of tenancy obligations, a landlord intending to sell the property or a landlord needing to move into their home, subject to the applicable rules and notice periods.
A landlord must follow the correct legal process. If a tenant does not leave after a valid notice expires, the landlord will generally need to obtain a possession order from the court before enforcing possession.
This does not mean that tenants can never be asked to leave. It means that landlords must use the appropriate legal grounds and procedures.
If you receive an eviction notice, do not ignore it. Seek independent advice promptly, particularly if you are unsure whether it is valid.
4. Your Tenancy Agreement and Notice Periods
From 1 May 2026, most private assured shorthold tenancies in England automatically became assured periodic tenancies. New tenancies within this system also operate on a rolling basis rather than having a fixed contractual end date.
This means that eligible tenants can generally remain in their home until they choose to leave or the landlord establishes a lawful basis for possession.
Under the new rules, tenants can usually end an assured periodic tenancy by giving two months’ notice in writing, subject to the applicable requirements and any lawful agreement for a shorter notice period.
Tenants should check the terms of their arrangements and make sure they understand how to give notice correctly.
Landlords must also provide the required written tenancy information. For many existing tenants with written tenancy agreements, the government’s Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet was required to be provided by 31 May 2026.
If you are unsure whether your tenancy arrangements comply with the new rules, consult the latest government guidance.
5. Your Right to Privacy at Home
Renting a property does not mean giving up your right to privacy.
Although a landlord owns the property, tenants are generally entitled to occupy their home without unnecessary interference. Landlords and letting agents should arrange access in advance and respect the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment.
Access may be necessary for repairs, inspections or other legitimate purposes, but landlords should communicate clearly and agree suitable arrangements wherever possible.
In most circumstances, a landlord should provide reasonable notice before visiting, commonly at least 24 hours for inspections or repairs, unless an emergency or other lawful exception applies.
If you are uncomfortable with repeated unannounced visits, explain your concerns in writing and seek advice if the situation continues.
6. Your Deposit Must Be Protected
If you pay a tenancy deposit for a qualifying assured residential tenancy, your landlord is generally required to protect it in a government-authorised tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receiving it.
The landlord must also provide the required information about the protection arrangements.
Deposit protection helps safeguard your money and provides a process for resolving disputes when the tenancy ends.
When moving out, you should leave the property in an appropriate condition, taking account of fair wear and tear, and ensure that any outstanding rent or other legitimate liabilities are addressed.
If you disagree with proposed deductions, ask for an explanation and supporting evidence. Deposit protection schemes offer dispute resolution procedures that may help resolve disagreements without going to court.
7. Can a Landlord Refuse a Tenant With Children or Who Receives Benefits?
The Renters’ Rights Act introduced important protections against certain forms of discrimination in the private rented sector.
From 1 May 2026, landlords and letting agents in England cannot refuse to rent a property to someone simply because they receive benefits or have children.
These changes aim to make access to privately rented homes fairer and reduce barriers for prospective tenants.
Landlords can still assess applicants using relevant and lawful criteria, such as affordability and references, but must comply with the applicable anti-discrimination rules.
If you believe you have been unfairly excluded from a property, you may wish to seek advice from Citizens Advice, Shelter or another appropriate organisation.
8. Can You Keep a Pet in a Rented Property?
The new rules also strengthen tenants’ ability to request permission to keep a pet.
For relevant tenancies, tenants can ask their landlord for permission to keep a pet, and the landlord must consider the request and provide a reason if it is refused.
This does not mean that every request must automatically be approved. The circumstances and applicable legal requirements still matter.
If you would like to keep a pet, it is sensible to make a clear written request and provide any relevant information that may help the landlord consider it.
Tenants should not assume that permission has been granted until they have received confirmation.
9. What Should You Do if Your Rights Are Not Respected?
If you believe your landlord or letting agent is not complying with their legal responsibilities, taking a calm and organised approach can help.
Consider the following steps:
- Keep written records: Save emails, messages, letters and photographs relating to the issue.
- Raise the concern clearly: Explain the problem to your landlord or letting agent and request an appropriate response.
- Check official guidance: Use GOV.UK to understand the rules that apply to your tenancy.
- Seek independent advice: Shelter and Citizens Advice can provide information about housing rights and possible next steps.
- Contact your local council where appropriate: Councils have powers to investigate certain housing conditions and breaches of landlord obligations.
If the matter involves a potential eviction, serious disrepair or a legal deadline, seek advice as soon as possible rather than waiting for the situation to escalate.
10. What Do Renters’ Rights Mean for Landlords and Letting Agents?
Understanding renters’ rights is important for landlords as well as tenants.
The changes introduced in 2026 mean that landlords need to understand the new tenancy system, follow the correct procedures for rent increases and possession, provide the required information and ensure that their properties meet their legal obligations.
Clear communication can help prevent misunderstandings and make it easier to address concerns before they develop into more serious disputes.
For landlords, staying informed and seeking professional guidance where necessary can help support a well-managed rental property. For tenants, knowing the rules can make it easier to understand their responsibilities and raise concerns appropriately.
Renters’ Rights: The Importance of Being Informed
Renting a home should involve a clear understanding of the responsibilities and protections that apply to both parties.
From repairs and deposit protection to rent increases, privacy and eviction procedures, knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions and approach your tenancy with greater confidence.
The Renters’ Rights Act has brought significant changes to private renting in England, making it particularly important for tenants and landlords to familiarise themselves with the current rules.
At The Property Album, based in Bayswater, London, we recognise the importance of a professional and personal approach to property. We aim to help landlords and tenants understand their requirements and navigate their property arrangements as smoothly as possible.
Have a question about renting a property in Bayswater or London?
Contact The Property Album to discuss your property requirements. We welcome enquiries from tenants and landlords seeking information about lettings and property management.
The Property Album — Property sales, lettings and management in Bayswater, London, with a focus on quality, value and personal service.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about renters’ rights in England as at October 2026. It is not legal advice. The rules that apply can depend on the type of tenancy and individual circumstances. For detailed or case-specific guidance, consult GOV.UK or seek independent legal or housing advice.