5 renting rule changes starting in days as BBC expert says notice may be ‘invalid’

5 renting rule changes starting in days as BBC expert says notice may be ‘invalid’The new rules meant to protect people have potentially put some at risk of eviction as one expert explained when it could become invalidCommentsMoneySamantha Leathers Senior Money & Lifestyle writer02:50, 22 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesCost of living expert Colletta Smith explained what the changes mean for renters(Image: BBC)From May 1, 2026 the new Renters’ Rights Act will come into force in England and Wales, making a slew of major changes to the way the rental market is allowed to work. Tenants will feel the effect of five specific changes, with some landlords seemingly acting ahead of the rule changes.‌Appearing on BBC’s Morning Live, cost of living expert Colletta Smith broke down the “biggest change that we’ve seen in tenants rights for about 40 years” and explained how to tell if an eviction notice served before the rule changes is actually invalid.‌Colletta noted these rules are largely for standard tenants and landlords, not lodgers. She added: “It's worth getting savvy as a tenant within this time frame period, just until these final two weeks expire and section 21 orders are banned.”‌View 3 ImagesThe expert noted the next few days could be crucial for both landlords and tenants(Image: BBC)Five major rule changes in the new Act:No-fault evictionsThese evictions, also known as section 21 orders or notices, have allowed landlords to evict tenants without needing to give a reason. The practice will be completely abolished from the start of May.‌Colletta noted: “Of course, people will still be able to be removed from property for a legitimate reason. If there's anti-social Behaviour, if you're not paying your rent, then you could still be evicted by your landlord as long as they go through the reasonable process."For people facing a section 21 order despite the changes coming in just days, Colletta revealed there’s a range of things that could make it invalid be...