News from 11 May 2026
Read the current guide to tenancy rules in England.
The government updated its rent-in-advance enforcement guidance for English councils on 8 May 2026. The revision changes examples of situations that are not breaches, helping explain how the new rules apply.
What has changed
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has updated its statutory guidance on asking for rent in advance. The guidance covers sections 8 and 9 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and applies in England.
The most recent update says the examples for local authorities that are not breaches have been amended. The examples help councils, landlords and agents understand how the rules apply to different situations.
The page describes the purpose of the guidance as helping local authorities understand when it is illegal for a landlord or letting agent to ask for rent in advance. It is part of the enforcement material councils may use when deciding whether a request, advert or letting practice should be challenged.
