At risk of homelessness

Asked to leave by your landlord - Renters’ Rights Act 2025

What private renters in England need to know

New rights for private renters came into force on 1 May 2026.

This page explains:

  • what has changed
  • what the law covers
  • how Slough Borough Council can help you

Important: from 1 May 2026, your landlord cannot use a ‘Section 21’ notice to evict you without a reason.

If you have received an eviction notice:

  • do not leave your home straight away
  • get advice as soon as possible
  • contact the council or a free advice service before taking action.

What has changed

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is the biggest change to private renting in England in a generation.

It applies if you rent from a private landlord (not the council or a housing association).

Key changes

  • No-fault evictions are banned. Your landlord can no longer ask you to leave without giving a legal reason.
  • Rolling tenancies. Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies no longer exist. All private tenancies are now month-to-month with no set end date.
  • Rent increases. Your landlord must give you at least two months' written notice before raising your rent. You have the right to challenge increases you think are too high.
  • Pets. You now have the right to ask your landlord for permission to keep a pet. Your landlord must respond within 28 days and cannot refuse without a good reason.
  • No discrimination. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because you receive benefits, or because you have children.
  • Written information. Landlords must give you a written statement setting out the key terms of your tenancy.
  • Stronger enforcement. Councils have more powers to investigate landlords who break the law.

You must still:

  • pay your rent on time
  • look after your home
  • give notice if you want to leave

Your landlord can still take back the property, but only for legal reasons.

Your situation – what to do

If something has changed in your tenancy:

  • check your rights
  • get advice early

Do not wait until things get worse.

How Slough Borough Council can help

  • We offer free advice and support to private renters.
  • You do not need to be homeless to contact us.
  • The sooner you get in touch, the more we can help.

Advice in the community

Our Early Intervention Advice Workers are based in community hubs across Slough.

They can:

  • explain your rights
  • check if a notice is valid
  • help you understand your options

You can get help before making a homelessness application.

Help to stay in your home

If you are at risk of losing your tenancy, we can:

  • speak to your landlord
  • help with rent arrears
  • connect you to financial support

Tenancy Relations Officer

Our specialist officer can help with:

  • illegal eviction
  • landlord harassment
  • invalid notices
  • landlords breaking the law

They can contact your landlord and take further action if needed.

Enforcement action

Our Private Sector Enforcement team can:

  • investigate landlords
  • issue fines of up to £40,000
  • prosecute serious cases
  • inspect properties and deal with disrepair

Homelessness prevention

If you may become homeless within 56 days, we have a legal duty to help.

We will:

  • assess your situation
  • agree a plan with you
  • help you find alternative housing if needed

Help with rent increases

If you think your rent increase is too high, we can:

  • check if the notice is valid
  • explain your rights
  • help you apply to a tribunal

You can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for free.

Drop-in advice

  • Free drop-in sessions are available at Britwell Community Hub.
  • No appointment needed for initial advice

Visit slough.gov.uk/housing-hubs for locations and opening times

Free independent advice

You can also get help from national organisations: