19 hours ago

Tarah Welsh, Housing reporter and

Larissa Tairo

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Described as the biggest shake-up to renting in England for more than 30 years, new laws giving tenants more rights start on Friday 1 May.

The Renters' Rights Act aims to give more stability and security to the 11 million people who rent from private landlords.

The new rules also mean big changes for landlords, with some warning that there could be delays evicting bad tenants from their properties.

How long will tenants be able to rent a property for?

Fixed-term tenancies, where renters are tied into contracts lasting for 12 or 24 months, are banned under the new rules. Instead, properties will be rented on a "periodic" or rolling basis.

This means that tenants who wish to remain in a property can do so. The government says the change will provide renters with greater security.

Tenants who want to leave can give two months' notice.…