Renting in London, explained properly
Deposits, contracts, referencing and moving day: what the law says, and what actually happens.
Section 21 Is Gone: How London Evictions Actually Work Now
Section 21 ended on 1 May 2026, and the final date to apply to court on an old notice passed on 31 July 2026. This guide sets out how to check a Section 8 notice, which grounds are mandatory, the new three-month arrears threshold, and where London tenants get free representation.
Read guideLegalOne Month Max: The New Rent-in-Advance Rules in London
Since 1 May 2026 a London landlord or agent can ask for one week's holding deposit, five weeks' security deposit and one month's rent, and nothing more. On the ONS median two-bed of £1,800 a month that caps the move-in total at £3,876.92, down from the £12,876.92 a six-months-up-front demand cost in 2025.
Read guideLegalNo More Section 21: The Grounds That Can Still Evict You
Section 21 ended on 1 May 2026, so every eviction in England now needs a ground under Section 8. This is a breakdown of the grounds landlords actually use, the notice periods attached to each, and four cheap checks that show whether the stated reason holds up.
Read guideLegalHow One Housemate Can End Your London Flatshare Tenancy
Since 1 May 2026 every assured tenancy in England is periodic, and on a joint tenancy one housemate's notice to quit ends the letting for everyone. This explains how a deed of assignment keeps the tenancy alive, what the swap can lawfully cost, and what happens to the deposit.
Read guideLegalSection 21 Is Gone: How London Landlords Evict You Now
Section 21 no-fault eviction ended on 1 May 2026, and Section 21 notices served before then became unenforceable after 31 July 2026. This guide sets out the Section 8 grounds London landlords now use, the four-month notice periods, the 12-month protected period and how to check whether a notice would survive court.
Read guideLegalGet Your London Deposit Back: Deductions You Can Refuse
Deposit scheme adjudicators start from the position that the money belongs to the tenant, and only move it if the landlord proves a loss. This covers the deposit cap, prescribed information, scheme deadlines, the deductions adjudicators routinely reject and the wording to send an agent.
Read guideLegalDeposit Disputes in London: What Wins Your Money Back
Only about 5% of adjudicated deposit cases end with the landlord getting everything they asked for, yet most London tenants accept deductions without challenge. This covers the ten-day rules, the evidence adjudicators actually reward, section 214 claims for unprotected deposits, and the cash gap when you move borough to borough.
Read guideLegalHow to Challenge a London Rent Rise at the Tribunal
Since 1 May 2026 the First-tier Tribunal cannot set your rent above the figure your landlord proposed, and the increase cannot be backdated. This is what the £47 application involves, what evidence the tribunal wants, and the deadline that ends the option if you miss it.
Read guideLegalHow to Challenge a London Rent Increase at the Tribunal
Since 1 May 2026 the First-tier Tribunal cannot set your rent above the figure your landlord asked for, and the fee is £47. This guide covers the four checks that make a section 13 notice void, the deadline for applying, and the comparable evidence London tribunals accept.
Read guide