# Renters' Rights Act Glossary

The most commonly used terms used when talking about the Renters' Rights Act and how it applies to Landlords and Tenants.

## Renters' Rights Act

### Assured Periodic Tenancy (APT)
A rolling tenancy with no fixed end date. Tenants can leave with two months’ notice; landlords must provide a valid reason to end the tenancy.

### Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)
The most common tenancy type in England, typically with a fixed term. Replaced by periodic tenancies under the new Renters' Rights Bill.

### Awaab’s Law
Named after a tragic case, this provision mandates swift action on health hazards like mould and damp in rental homes.

### Commencement Date
The date when the new law takes effect. All tenancies (new and existing) will convert to periodic tenancies on this date.

### Decent Homes Standard
A minimum quality benchmark for rental properties, covering safety, repair, and living conditions. Local councils will enforce compliance.

### Discrimination Ban
Landlords cannot refuse tenants based on having children or receiving benefits.

### Grounds for Possession
[Legal reasons a landlord can use to reclaim their property](/page/2251). These have been clarified and expanded under the new Renters Rights Act.

### Private Rented Sector Database (Property Portal)
A mandatory registry for landlords to ensure compliance and transparency. Tenants can use it to verify landlord credentials and property standards.

### Private Rented Sector Ombudsman
A new, independent body to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants without going to court.

### Rent Cap & Section 13
Rent increases are limited to once per year and must be justified. Landlords must use a Section 13 notice, and tenants can challenge increases via a tribunal.

### Rent in Advance Ban
Landlords and agents cannot request or accept more than one month’s rent upfront. This aims to reduce financial barriers for tenants.

### Rental Bidding Ban
Landlords and agents are prohibited from encouraging or accepting offers above the advertised rent (i.e., [no bidding wars](/page/2253)).

### Right to Request Pets
Tenants can [request to keep pets](/page/2252), and landlords must not unreasonably refuse. They may require pet insurance to cover potential damage.

### Section 21 ("No-Fault Evictions")
A legal provision allowing landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason. [Abolished under the new Bill ](/page/2257)to enhance tenant security.

### Section 8 Notice
A formal notice used by landlords to [seek possession](/page/2251) of a property for specific legal reasons (e.g., rent arrears, property damage). This becomes the primary eviction route post-Section 21 abolition.