Renting by city → Bath

Renting in Bath — your rights as a tenant in 2026

Bath is an expensive rental market due to its heritage status, university demand, and limited new build supply. Many properties are Georgian listed buildings where repair and maintenance responsibilities can be complex.

£1,300
Average monthly rent
5
Common tenant issues
20,000 households
Private renter households

Common issues for Bath renters

⚠Very high rents
⚠Georgian property maintenance complexities
⚠Listed building repair obligations
⚠Student vs professional competition
⚠Limited modern housing

How the Renters' Rights Act affects Bath

From 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 brings major changes for every private tenant in Bath. Here's what matters most:

No-fault evictions abolished. Your landlord can no longer use Section 21 to evict you without a reason. They must prove a valid ground under Section 8.
Rent increases limited. Your landlord can only increase rent once per year, via a formal Section 13 notice with 2 months' warning. You can challenge unfair increases at a tribunal.
Periodic tenancies for all. All tenancies become rolling month-to-month. You can leave with 2 months' notice at any time — no more being locked into a fixed term.
Right to request a pet. Blanket pet bans are no longer enforceable. Your landlord must consider your request fairly.
Rental bidding banned. Landlords must advertise a set price and cannot accept offers above it.

Your local council

Bath & North East Somerset Council

Environmental Health / Private Renting Team: 01225 477000

If your landlord is not maintaining your property, your deposit is not protected, or you are being threatened with illegal eviction, contact your council's Environmental Health team. They have the power to inspect properties, issue improvement notices, and prosecute landlords who fail to comply.

Check your Bath tenancy agreement

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Useful guides

Renters' Rights Act 2025 — what changes from May 2026 →Deposit not protected? What to do and how to claim →My landlord won't do repairs — your options →Unfair terms in tenancy agreements — what's enforceable →Section 21 eviction notice — your rights →What to check in your agreement before signing →

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