If you rent a home in Wigan — whether that’s a terraced house in Ince-in-Makerfield, a flat near Wigan town centre, or a semi in Leigh or Atherton — the rules governing your tenancy are about to change significantly.
The Renters’ Rights Act is now reshaping England’s private rented sector in 2026. It represents the biggest overhaul of tenancy law in a generation, introducing stronger protections designed to give tenants greater security, fairer treatment, and stronger rights against poor conditions and unjust evictions.
With average rents in Wigan rising from around £585 to over £850 per month since 2016, the stakes have never been higher for local renters. Understanding what this legislation means for you is essential.
The end of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
Perhaps the most significant change is the abolition of Section 21 notices. Previously, a landlord could ask you to leave your home without giving any reason — a so-called ‘no-fault’ eviction. This practice has now been scrapped entirely.
For tenants in areas like Leigh and Atherton, where demand for rental homes has surged in recent years, this is a major shift. You can no longer be asked to vacate your home simply because your landlord decides to serve notice without justification.
This gives Wigan renters a genuine sense of security — particularly those who have built lives, enrolled children in local schools, or established routines around their neighbourhood.
How evictions will now work under Section 8
Landlords who do need to regain possession of their property must now use the Section 8 process, which requires them to cite a specific legal ground for doing so.
What are the valid grounds for possession?
The revised Section 8 grounds include situations such as the following:
- Significant rent arrears
• Anti-social behaviour or criminal activity by the tenant
• The landlord or a close family member genuinely needing to move into the property
• The landlord wishing to sell the property
Importantly, most of these grounds come with notice periods and, in many cases, require court approval. This means tenants in Wigan have far more time and legal recourse than before.
What this means for renters in Wigan
If you receive any notice to leave your home, you now have the right to challenge it if the stated ground does not apply to your situation. Tenants in high-demand areas like Wigan town centre and Ince-in-Makerfield should not feel pressured to leave without understanding their full rights first.
Your right to request a pet
The Renters’ Rights Act also introduces a new right for tenants to request permission to keep a pet in their rented home.
Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a pet request. They must respond in writing within a set timeframe, and any refusal must be based on valid, specific grounds — not simply a blanket ‘no pets’ clause in the tenancy agreement.
For many Wigan renters who have previously been excluded from the market due to pet ownership, this is a welcome and practical change. Landlords may ask you to take out pet damage insurance as a condition of approval, which is a reasonable safeguard.
The decent homes standard comes to the private rented sector
For the first time, the Decent Homes Standard — previously applicable only to social housing — will be extended to private rented properties across England.
What does this mean in practice?
Your landlord will be legally required to ensure your home meets a minimum standard of condition. This includes:
- A structurally sound and weatherproof property
• Reasonably modern facilities and services
• Freedom from serious hazards such as damp, mould, or unsafe electrics
• Adequate heating and insulation
For tenants living in older housing stock — which is common across parts of Wigan, Leigh, and surrounding areas — this is a meaningful protection. If your home currently has issues with damp, cold, or disrepair, your landlord will have a legal obligation to address them.
The new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
The Renters’ Rights Act also establishes a new mandatory private rented sector ombudsman. All landlords in England — including those in Wigan — will be required to register with this scheme.
This gives tenants a formal, independent route to raise complaints about their landlord’s conduct, without needing to go through the courts. If a dispute arises over repairs, communication, or the return of your deposit, the Ombudsman can investigate and issue binding decisions.
This is a significant step towards accountability in the private rental market and provides Wigan tenants with a low-cost, accessible form of redress.
What about deposits and rent increases?
The Act also strengthens protections around rent increases. Landlords will only be able to raise rents once per year, and increases must be in line with market rates. Tenants will have the right to challenge excessive rent increases through a tribunal.
Deposit rules remain broadly in line with existing protections — your deposit must still be held in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme — but the overall framework is now more robustly enforced.
How Belvoir Wigan supports tenants through these changes
At Belvoir Wigan, we believe a well-functioning rental market works for everyone — landlords and tenants alike. Our team is committed to ensuring that every tenancy we manage is handled fairly, transparently, and in full compliance with the latest legislation.
Whether you are a long-term renter in Atherton, a young professional renting near Wigan town centre, or a family settling into a home in Leigh, Belvoir Wigan is here to help you understand your rights and navigate any concerns you may have.
We manage properties across Wigan and the surrounding areas, and our lettings team is fully up to date with the latest requirements and tenant protections introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act.
What to do if you have concerns about your tenancy
If you are unsure whether your current tenancy agreement reflects the new rules, or if you have received a notice to leave and are not sure of your position, do not panic. There are clear steps you can take.
Start by speaking to your letting agent or landlord directly. If your property is managed by Belvoir Wigan, contact our team and we will walk you through your rights and options. You can also seek free advice from Shelter, Citizens Advice, or the new Ombudsman once it is fully operational.
Stay informed, stay protected
The Renters’ Rights Act continues to mark a genuine turning point for tenants across England in 2026, and Wigan renters stand to benefit significantly from its provisions. From the abolition of no-fault evictions to the right to keep a pet and the introduction of the Decent Homes Standard, this legislation puts greater power in the hands of those who rent their homes.
With rents in Wigan continuing to rise and demand for quality rental homes remaining strong across areas like Ince-in-Makerfield, Leigh, and Atherton, being informed about your rights has never been more important.
If you would like to know more about how the Renters’ Rights Act affects your tenancy in 2026, or if you are looking for a professionally managed rental home in Wigan, get in touch with the team at Belvoir Wigan today. We are here to help you find, secure, and enjoy your home with complete confidence.
Ready to find out what your home is worth or explore your rental options? Book a valuation with Belvoir Wigan and take the first step towards a better property experience. Contact our Wigan branch directly to speak with a member of our friendly, expert lettings team.
