Take on Renters Rights Quiz! How much do you know about the upcoming changes?

Are you aware of the upcoming changes for Landlords and Tenants for the Renters Rights Act, starting from May 1st 2026?

There's a lot of complicated legislation to learn -- even if you think you know it all, you might not! Take our 7 question quiz to reveal surprising answers to common questions!

Q1. How long are fixed terms in tenancy agreements allowed to below long are fixed terms in tenancy agreements allowed to be?

Trick question, there are no more fixed terms!

All tenancies will be periodic, rolling with no end date.*

Even tenancies with fixed terms still ongoing will become rolling

*With some exceptions, such as when the tenancy has a fixed term of over 21 years  or the rent is more than £100,000 a year

Q2. How much notice do tenants need to give to vacate a property?

2 Months!

In line with their rent payment date.

This has been increased from 1 month.

A landlord can allow it to be shorter, but 2 months will be the legal minimum.

Q3. Can you still serve a Section 21 to evict a tenant?

You can’t!

Section 21's / “no fault” evictions will be gone.

Section 8's can still be used for evictions, with sufficient evidence, for reasons such as:

• To sell the property

• To move back into the property

• Rent arrears 

• Anti-social behaviour

The full list is on the Gov.UK site.

Q4. Can tenants get a pet without permission from the Landlord?

No!

Although a Landlord can no longer unreasonably refuse a pet, permission must still be granted.

Here are some reasons a Landlord could refuse:

• Another tenant has an allergy  

• The property is too small for a large pet or several pets  

• The pet is illegal to own  

• If you’re a leaseholder, and your freeholder does not allow pets 

Q5. Can a viewer pay a higher price for a property on the market for rent?

No!

Landlords and agents cannot legally accept payments higher than the advertised rent.

This will prevent rental bidding - putting an end to people offering higher than the advertised amount and inflating property prices.

Q6 When does the tenant pay the first month’s rent?

After everyone has signed the tenancy agreement.

They can pay a holding fee (1 week’s rent) & the deposit before signing the agreement.

However, they are not allowed to pay any other rent before signing. 

This means it will be legally agreed that the tenancy will go ahead by the time payments are required.

Holding Fee

V

References

V

Draft Agreement

V

Deposit

V

Full Agreement is signed

V

Rent is paid

V

Keys Collected

Q7. Can a tenant pay rent in advance?

Cannot:

A tenant cannot pay more than the first month’s rent before the tenancy starts.

A Landlord cannot request any rent in advance.

Can:

A tenant can pay in advance during the tenancy if they choose to. 

How did you do? Did you know as much as you thought you did? Still have questions?

View our Renters Rights Video Guide for more detailed information on the upcoming legislation changes!

If you have concerns about rent arrears or extended void periods, consider checking out Guaranteed Rent.

Interested in this property, Guaranteed Rent, or having your street valued?

Get in contact with Northwood Northampton Letting Agents today!

JasonWells@NorthwoodUK.com

01604 607080