Renting in Godalming — your rights as a tenant in 2026
Godalming is a prosperous Surrey commuter town near Guildford with Waterloo rail access. One of England's most expensive rental markets outside London, driven by professional demand and Green Belt restrictions.
£1,400
Average monthly rent
5
Common tenant issues
8,000 households
Private renter households
Common issues for Godalming renters
⚠Very high rents
⚠Surrey premium
⚠Limited supply
⚠Commuter demand
⚠Deposit disputes
How the Renters' Rights Act affects Godalming
From 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 brings major changes for every private tenant in Godalming. 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
Waverley Borough Council
Environmental Health / Private Renting Team: 01483 523333
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.
Got a Godalming tenancy agreement to hand?
Godalming tenants commonly face issues with very high rents. Paste your agreement and get every clause decoded in plain English — red flags identified, your rights explained. Takes 60 seconds.
Free snapshot always available. Full decode £9.99.
10 things every tenant should check before 1 May 2026. Plain English, one page, printable. Enter your email and we'll send it straight over.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Moving in? Essentials for your new rental
Setting up a new rental in Godalming? Here are the items experienced tenants recommend having from day one. Tip: Take a video walkthrough of every room on your phone before unpacking — timestamped evidence wins deposit disputes.