Housing law: an overview in England
This guidance is intended to be used for general information purposes, is not intended to be a definitive guide to the law and cannot be a substitute for independent advice. NFU members get free initial legal and professional advice from NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.
Housing law has changed. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (RRA) gained Royal Assent on 27 October 2025.
Except where otherwise indicated, this guide deals with the law as it will be from 1 May 2026. Members wanting to know more about the changes should contact CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.
This business guide provides an overview of the types of tenancy that apply in private sector housing in England. It also discusses various maintenance and repair obligations that apply to all housing tenancies.
We have other business guides which explore housing law in further detail, which are:
- Setting up an Assured Periodic Tenancy in England at: https://www.nfuonline.com/member-resources/housing-law-setting-up-an-assured-periodic-tenancy-in-england/
- Terminating an Assured Periodic Tenancy in England at: https://www.nfuonline.com/member-resources/housing-law-terminating-an-assured-periodic-tenancy-in-england/
- Housing agricultural workers in England – the law from 1st May 2026 at: https://www.nfuonline.com/member-resources/housing-law-housing-agricultural-workers-in-england-the-law-from-1st-may-2026/