Key takeaways
- The old How to Rent guide has been withdrawn for new cases from 1 May 2026.
- Many private tenancies now operate under assured periodic tenancy rules.
- Section 21 no-fault eviction has ended for new private-renting processes in England.
- Tenants should understand written terms, notice rules, rent processes and repair reporting.
Why this guide replaces the old wording
From a website content perspective, keeping a guide called simply 'How to Rent' now creates confusion. Prospective tenants need a summary of the current framework, not a headline that points them toward withdrawn material.
This guide therefore focuses on the practical questions people ask first: what kind of tenancy they are likely to have, what paperwork matters, and what has changed since the 2026 reforms.
What tenants should understand now
In ordinary private renting arrangements where the property is the tenant's main home and the landlord does not live there, the tenancy is commonly framed around assured periodic tenancy rules. That means the tenancy does not operate like the old fixed-end-date AST model people were used to hearing about.
Tenants should still read the written terms carefully, check what rent covers, understand who manages repairs, and keep copies of any information sheet, tenancy record and inventory.
A practical reading of your position
Good tenants protect themselves by staying organised. Keep digital copies of your agreement, inventory, repair emails and payment trail. When something changes, ask for written confirmation.
If a landlord or agent is professional, that request will not offend them. It simply keeps both parties aligned.
What to do next
- Read your written terms carefully and keep a digital copy.
- Save the key contact details for repairs, emergencies and tenancy queries.
- Use written communication for important requests, especially notice and repairs.
Unsure what the 2026 changes mean for you?
We can explain the day-to-day effect of the new rules in clear English, without dressing it up in legal jargon.
This guide is general information for England and should not be treated as formal legal advice on a specific dispute.