The Act applies to private rented homes in England let on assured tenancies, which covers nearly every buy-to-let. It makes no difference whether you let directly or through an agent, or own personally or through a company.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules and are not covered.
What changed
- Every assured shorthold tenancy in England became an assured periodic tenancy on 1 May 2026.
What it means for you
- These lets are generally outside the Act: lodgers living with you in your own home; company lets where the tenant is a business; holiday lets; homes let at more than £100,000 a year; and genuine licences to occupy.
- Purpose-built student accommodation run by specified providers has its own possession ground. Ordinary student houses are covered like any other let.
- Social housing is covered by separate rules, which the government plans to align with the private sector in 2027.
- If you are unsure about a particular property, take advice before relying on an exemption. Getting it wrong can mean a penalty.