A landmark moment for renters across Wigan
If you rent a home in Wigan — whether that’s a terraced house in Ince, a flat in Leigh town centre, or a semi in Hindley — 2026 marks a turning point in your rights as a tenant. The Renters’ Rights Act has now come into force, representing the most significant overhaul of private rented sector legislation in a generation.
For many Wigan renters, the timing could not be more important. The average monthly private rent in Wigan was £744 in June 2026, up 7.2% from £693 a year earlier. With affordability stretched and competition for good rental homes remaining strong, understanding exactly what protections you now have is essential.
This guide from Belvoir Wigan breaks down what the Act means for you in plain, straightforward terms.
The end of no-fault evictions
Perhaps the most talked-about change under the Renters’ Rights Act is the abolition of Section 21 — the so-called “no-fault eviction” notice. Previously, landlords could ask tenants to leave without providing any specific reason, giving little security to those who had made a home in areas like Scholes, Platt Bridge, or Abram.
That is now gone.
Under the new legislation, landlords must rely on specific, legally defined grounds to end a tenancy. These grounds include situations such as the landlord wishing to sell the property or move in a close family member, but they must be evidenced and the process is subject to greater scrutiny than before.
What this means for Wigan tenants day to day
In practical terms, you can now feel considerably more settled in your rented home. If you have been a reliable, responsible tenant — paying your rent on time and looking after the property — your landlord cannot simply serve notice on a whim. This added security is particularly meaningful in high-demand rental pockets like Leigh and Atherton, where the supply of affordable homes has been under pressure.
A new right to request a pet
One of the most welcomed changes for many renters is the new right to request permission to keep a pet. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to have a pet in the property.
Landlords can still say no — but only on reasonable grounds, and they must respond to requests in writing within a set timeframe. Landlords cannot require tenants to take out pet insurance, although they may be able to recover the cost of pet-related damage through the tenancy deposit where appropriate.
For renters in Wigan’s more suburban areas — such as Standish, Shevington, or Orrell — where larger properties with gardens are more common, this is a particularly positive development.
Stronger rights around repairs and property standards
The Renters’ Rights Act strengthens the obligations landlords already had under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, making it easier for tenants to challenge poor conditions without fear of retaliatory eviction.
What landlords are now required to do
Landlords — whether they own a single rental property or manage a sizeable portfolio across Wigan — must continue to meet their existing legal duties to keep rented homes safe, fit for human habitation and in proper repair. This includes addressing issues such as damp, mould, heating failures, and structural problems where the landlord is legally responsible.
If a landlord fails to act, tenants now have a clearer pathway to raise complaints, including through local authority enforcement, without the worry that doing so will result in them being asked to leave.
Reporting issues in your Wigan rental home
If you have a maintenance concern, always report it to your landlord or letting agent in writing — email is ideal as it creates a clear record. Belvoir Wigan’s team manages properties across the borough and operates a responsive maintenance reporting process for tenants in managed properties.
The Private Rented Sector Database
The Renters’ Rights Act also introduces a new Private Rented Sector Database — a national register of landlords and their properties. This is a significant transparency measure that benefits both tenants and responsible landlords alike.
For Wigan renters, this means you will be able to check whether a landlord is registered and compliant before you sign a tenancy agreement. It also gives local councils, including Wigan Council, better tools to identify and tackle rogue landlords operating substandard homes.
The database is being rolled out in phases from late 2026, so it is worth keeping an eye on government guidance for when it becomes publicly accessible in your area.
Tenancy agreements and periodic tenancies
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies have been replaced with a simpler periodic tenancy model. This means tenancies roll on a monthly basis by default, giving tenants greater flexibility to move if their circumstances change — for example, relocating for work within Greater Manchester or moving to a larger home as a family grows.
Tenants wishing to end their tenancy must give two months’ notice in writing. This is a straightforward process, and the Belvoir Wigan team is always happy to guide you through the correct procedure.
Deposit rules and rent increases
Deposit caps introduced under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 remain in place — landlords cannot charge more than five weeks’ rent as a security deposit (or six weeks where the annual rent exceeds £50,000). These rules have not changed under the new Act, and tenants in Wigan should be aware of them when starting a new tenancy.
How rent increases work under the new rules
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a more structured approach to rent increases. Landlords can only increase rent once per year, and they must provide proper notice using the correct legal process. Tenants who believe a proposed increase is above market rate now have a clearer route to challenge it through the First-tier Tribunal.
Given that rents in Wigan continue to rise, this additional safeguard offers meaningful protection for tenants trying to budget with confidence.
What to do if you have concerns about your tenancy
If you are unsure about any aspect of your tenancy — whether it relates to a repair request, a notice you have received, or a proposed rent increase — do not wait and worry. Getting clear, professional advice early can make a significant difference to the outcome.
Belvoir Wigan’s experienced lettings team is here to help tenants across the borough navigate the new landscape with confidence. From Hindley Green to Golborne, we understand the local rental market and are committed to ensuring every tenant we work with is treated fairly and kept fully informed.
Your next steps as a Wigan tenant
The Renters’ Rights Act is a genuine step forward for tenants, but knowing your rights is only the beginning — acting on them is what matters. Here are a few practical steps to take right now:
Review your current tenancy agreement and note any key dates or clauses.
Keep a written record of all communications with your landlord or letting agent.
Report any maintenance issues promptly and in writing.
Familiarise yourself with the new grounds for eviction so you know what is and is not lawful.
Seek professional advice if anything in your tenancy feels unclear or unfair.
Speak to Belvoir Wigan today
Whether you are a current tenant with a question about your rights, or you are looking for a well-managed rental home in Wigan, the team at Belvoir Wigan is ready to help. We are committed to making renting straightforward, transparent, and stress-free — for tenants and landlords alike.
Book a valuation for your rental property, or get in touch with our Wigan branch directly to discuss your tenancy, ask about available homes, or seek guidance on how the Renters’ Rights Act applies to your situation.
Renting in Wigan should feel secure. With Belvoir Wigan on your side, it can be.
