After the Renters' Rights Act, can a landlord ask for 6 months' rent up front? Can someone without a job rent a home?
Published: Last checked: October 20263 min read
Short answer
GOV.UK says that in England from 1 May 2026 at most one month's rent can be asked in advance, and only after the agreement is signed. No rent can be taken before signing. Offers above the advertised rent are banned. The page does not say landlords must accept someone without a job.
Who does this apply to?
- This is general information. It does not assess anyone's personal situation. It applies only in England; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules. It is based on the GOV.UK "Renters' Rights Act: overview for tenants" page as of October 2026.
Rent in advance
- GOV.UK says tenants can be asked to pay a maximum of one month's rent in advance, and only after signing the tenancy agreement.
- A landlord or agent cannot ask for, encourage or accept rent before you have signed the tenancy agreement.
- So the practice heard of in groups, "we paid 6 months or a year up front to rent", is no longer allowed for tenancies made after 1 May 2026. Other charges (for example the deposit) follow separate rules and are not covered here.
Other changes (1 May 2026)
- Bidding: An advert must give a specific rent, and the landlord cannot accept or encourage offers above it.
- Discrimination: A landlord cannot refuse to rent to someone just because they receive benefits or have children.
- Fixed terms: New tenancy agreements can no longer have an end date; they are periodic. Most existing tenancies automatically became periodic on 1 May 2026.
- Section 21: "No fault" evictions are no longer allowed, even if the agreement says they are.
"Can someone without a job rent?"
- The official page does not say a landlord must rent to someone without a job. It only bans going above the rent-in-advance cap, bidding wars and refusing someone because of benefits or children.
- So the decision still rests with the landlord or agent. An obstacle that used to be passed by paying up front can no longer be passed that way; guarantors, proof of savings or income may come into play instead. These are not on the official page; they are common practice.
Points to watch
- Get everything in writing before you sign; the amounts and payment dates must be clear.
- If you have a problem, contact Citizens Advice or your council's tenant team.
- Official pages change. This post is a general summary.
What can you do?
- Read Renters' Rights Act: overview for tenants.
- Get help from Citizens Advice: Renting privately.
Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.