Does the Renters' Rights Act apply to me?

It depends on your type of tenancy. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 applies to private tenants in England with an assured or assured shorthold tenancy — which covers the vast majority of people renting from a private landlord.

If you rent privately from a landlord who does not live in the same property as you, the law almost certainly applies to you. Your tenancy automatically converted to an assured periodic tenancy on 1 May 2026.

The law does not apply to you if: you are a lodger living with your landlord in their home; you have a company let (where a company rents the property, not you personally); the property is not your main home; or you are in social housing (housing associations get similar rules but later, expected in 2027).

The law also only applies in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate housing laws. If you rent in Scotland, your rights come under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.

If you're unsure which type of tenancy you have, look at your tenancy agreement. If it says "Assured Shorthold Tenancy" or "AST" you are covered. If you're still unsure, Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) can check for you.