The UK rental market has been evolving a lot in recent times.
Landlords are now following the latest tenancy changes starting on 1 May 2026, which means that many rental properties have gradually gone off the market ahead of the date.
For landlords, the new regulations can make it more challenging to make a profit.
Indeed, no-fault evictions are banned, which means landlords can’t end a valid tenancy anymore.
This is paired with the no fixed terms addition, which means that tenancies are rolling.
So, a landlord can’t remove existing tenants to put the property back on the market at a higher price for new renters.
This also comes with the proposition to increase the minimum energy efficiency rating for properties from E to C by 2030.
Needless to say, a lot of landlords have chosen to sell their properties to avoid complications.
As a result, as a tenant, you may find yourself looking for your next accommodation.
What can you expect and what can you ask?
Have Safety Standards Changed?
No, these haven’t changed.
However, it doesn’t mean that all properties are fully up-to-date.
So, it is a good idea to assess the property safety during a viewing.
You should see both smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors installed in a rental.
Depending on the size of the property, there may also be multiple devices.
These should also be in working condition, which, in most cases, means that you can see a light flashing at the front of the device.
Additionally, signs of damp or mould in the property are a red flag, and this is something you may want to raise with the landlord when visiting.
If you are viewing a rental in a block of flats, professional fire safety systems and fire door installation form an important part of meeting safety requirements for shared buildings and flats.
Is Pet Ownership Allowed?
Pet ownership is not necessarily granted, but you are allowed to ask your landlord about bringing a pet to the property.
The Renters’ Rights Bill encourages landlords to approach such requests reasonably.
This means that while a landlord can refuse a pet, they are expected to provide valid reasons.
This is an important distinction to make.
The Renters’ Rights Bill does not force the landlord to accept pets on the property.
Your landlord, however, may suggest a specific pet tenancy agreement, which states your rights and responsibilities as a pet-owner and tenant.
What’s worth knowing is that if you are not yet a tenant and ask to take a pet, the landlord is entitled to reject the request without needing to provide any reason.
However, there are situations when a landlord must, to the best of their capacity, accept the presence of an animal.
Indeed, a companion animal and an assistance animal are different types of pets.
Assistance animals are fully recognised in the Equality Act, which means that landlords need to make reasonable adjustments whenever possible.
As a tenant or a prospective tenant, you need to fully understand how the new regulations affect you and what they mean as you hunt for your next home.
Your rights may be better protected, yet as a tenant, you still have responsibilities to fulfil.
These include looking after the property and communicating with the landlord if you wish to make changes to the interior decor.
Painting and drilling holes remain things that require a formal authorisation from your landlord.
Hope you’ve found our article, What To Look for Before Renting Your Next Home in 2026? useful.
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