Was ändert sich für Mieter ab dem 1. Mai? Ein einfacher Leitfaden zum Mieterrechtegesetz

**“Fixed-term tenancies are ending**

From 1^(st) May 2026, most private renters (excluding those classed as Purpose-built student accommodation– that are exempt from RRA) will move onto ‘Assured Periodic Tenancies’. That means no more fixed 6- or 12-month contracts. Instead, your tenancy will roll on month-to-month. 

(There is an exception for Students in HMO where the Landlord can serve ahead of the tenancy a Ground 4A notice that will allow them to regain the property at the end of the academic year.) You’ll be able to end your tenancy at any point by giving two months’ notice, without having to wait for a contract to expire. These new tenancy rules will apply to both new and existing tenancies from 1^(st) May 2026.

**No more “no-fault” evictions**

From May 2026, landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without giving a valid reason. That means you can’t be asked to leave simply because your landlord wants change the tenants or doesn’t want to renew your agreement. 

**Rent increases will be more controlled**

Under the new rules, rent increases will be limited to once per year, and landlords will need to give you at least two months’ notice before the new rent takes effect. Any increase will need to follow a formal process, and tenants will have the right to challenge unfair rises. 

**Rental bidding wars are banned**

From May 2026, landlords and letting agents will no longer be allowed to accept rent offers above the advertised price. If a property is listed at a certain rent, that’s the price it must be let at. 

**Rent in advance is also banned**

At the same time, landlords will not be able to request more than one month’s rent in advance. This is designed to stop renters from being priced out simply because they can’t afford large upfront payments. 

**Stronger protection against discrimination**

The Act also makes it illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against tenants because they have children or receive benefits. This includes refusing viewings, withholding information, or discouraging applications based on these factors.

**Better standards and faster action on poor conditions**  

Later phases of the Act will introduce a national landlord database, a mandatory Landlord Ombudsman, and stronger standards for property conditions, including extending Awaab’s Law and applying a Decent Homes Standard.

These measures aim to make it easier for tenants to check who they’re renting from, raise complaints when things go wrong, and live in safer, better-maintained homes.“ 

These seem like positive steps for renters. I’m not sure I agree on the no-fault evictions though. If you’ve ever watched one of those high court enforcement shows, some good landlords really end up in financial hardship due to how long it can take to evict bad tenants – it was already difficult, now it seems impossible. There’ll be a lot of landlords leaving the market, and that’s not necessarily a good thing for people who don’t have a deposit yet and need to rent.

> Rental bidding wars are banned

Curious how will this be enforced. If they advertise £2k/month, and there are multiple people who are interested in it. One party might be willingly offer £2.1k/month. The other parties won’t know about that agreement in the first place so they can’t report. Whereas both landlord and new tenant are both in agreement, even though it is illegal?