What's new on Shelter Legal
The pages on Shelter Legal are updated regularly to reflect changes in the law.
This page lists the most recent updates to Shelter Legal.
Possession when a landlord wants to sell or move in
1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act introduced new and updated grounds for possession for private assured tenancies, including ground 1 for when the landlord wants to move into the property and ground 1A for when the landlord wants to sell. This new page covers the rules for private tenancies from 1 May 2026.
View amended articleRental discrimination
1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act changed rental discrimination rules from 1 May 2026. A landlord or agent must not discriminate against prospective tenants who claim or might claim benefits or have children under 18. This page has been updated to cover the new rules.
View amended articleLegal definition of homelessness and threatened homelessness
1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act has changed the definition of threatened with homelessness. From 1 May 2026, a private tenant is threatened with homelessness if they have been served with a valid section 8 notice which expires within 56 days. This page has been updated to cover the new rules.
View amended articlePrivate rented accommodation
1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act has changed private renting rules. From 1 May 2026, landlords must advertise a set rent and must not accept or encourage higher bids. This page has been updated to cover the new rules.
View amended articleRent repayment orders from 1 May 2026
1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act changed the rules on rent repayment orders from 1 May 2026, including introducing new offences, extending timescales, and increasing the maximum amount to 2 years' rent. This new page covers the rules for rent repayment orders from 1 May 2026 onwards.
View amended articleTenancy fees
1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act has introduced a cap on rent in advance payments for private tenancies. For assured tenancies starting on or after 1 May 2026, there is a cap on the amount of rent in advance a landlord or letting agent can ask a tenant to pay before they move in. Any rent in advance paid above the maximum amount is a banned fee. This page has been updated with the new rules.
View amended articlePets in private rented accommodation
1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act changed the rules on pets in private rented accommodation from 1 May 2026. A private assured tenant can ask their landlord for permission to keep a pet at the property and the landlord must not unreasonably refuse consent. This new page covers the rules for private tenancies from 1 May 2026.
View amended articleTenant ends an assured or assured shorthold tenancy
1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act has changed the rules on how a private assured tenant can end their tenancy from 1 May 2026. This page covers the rules for private tenants before and after 1 May 2026 and the rules for social tenants.
View amended articleGround 8 possession
1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act has changed the mandatory rent arrears ground 8 for private assured tenancies. From 1 May 2026, the ground 8 notice period and rent arrears threshold for private tenancies have increased. This page has been updated to cover the new rules.
View amended articleSection 21 possession process
1 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act abolished section 21 notices in the private rented sector from 1 May 2026. A private landlord who served a section 21 notice before this can complete possession proceedings on that notice. This page covers the rules on section 21 notices for private tenancies before 1 May 2026 and section 21 notices in social housing.
View amended article