Renting in Durham — your rights as a tenant in 2026
Durham has a rental market dominated by Durham University students. HMOs cluster heavily around the city centre and Viaduct area, while family rentals are scarce in the historic core.
14,000 households
Private renter households
Common issues for Durham renters
⚠Student HMO saturation
⚠Deposit disputes
⚠Noise in student areas
⚠Period property maintenance
⚠Limited family rental supply
How the Renters' Rights Act affects Durham
From 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 brings major changes for every private tenant in Durham. 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
Durham County Council
Environmental Health / Private Renting Team: 03000 260000
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 Durham tenancy agreement
Paste your tenancy agreement and get every clause decoded in plain English. Red flags identified. Your rights explained. Takes 60 seconds.
Decode your agreement free →Useful guides
Renting in nearby areas