What it means for SNG customers
From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces changes mainly for people renting privately on an assured or assured shorthold tenancy.
If you live in social housing (like most SNG customers), these changes will not usually affect you in 2026.
Because the new law doesn't apply to everyone at the same time, we know it can be confusing, so here's a summary of what applies, and when.
Phase 1 – from May 2026
These changes affect a small number of SNG customers only:
Market rent (non‑subsidised) tenants
If you rent an SNG home at a market rent, we’ll write to you by the end of May. This will include the government’s official Information Sheet [pdf, 282KB] 
explaining your new rights.
Shared owners who sublet their home
If you’re a shared owner and you sublet, you are a landlord to your tenant and must follow private renting rules, including the new Act. The government has published guidance: The Renters’ Rights Act and Shared Ownership: Guidance for shared owners who are renting out their home . (Please note: you must also have SNG’s permission to sublet.)
Leaseholders who sublet their home
If you're a leaseholder who sublets your property (you do not need our permission to do this), you are a landlord to your tenant and must follow the private renting sector rules, including the new Act. You can find information in the government's: Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act .
Phase 2 – from October 2027
From October 2027, the changes will extend to housing association assured tenancies.
We’ll write to you closer to the time with full details, once the government has passed the additional legislation needed.
What this will mean:
Open‑ended (rolling) tenancies
- Assured tenancies will become assured periodic tenancies - open‑ended or rolling tenancies give you long‑term security in your home
- Fixed‑term assured tenancies will automatically convert but SNG no longer uses these
End of ‘no‑fault’ evictions (Section 21)
Section 21 evictions will no longer apply. Any eviction must be for a specific legal reason.
Clearer rules on rent increases
- Rents can only be increased once a year - which follows what we do now
- You must be given advance notice in a particular way
- There's a formal process to challenge a rent increase if you think it’s wrong (but the government’s social rent formula is not affected)
Clearer information about your rights
The law will set out more clearly what we can and cannot do as your landlord, and what your rights are as a tenant.