Renting by city → Lewisham

Renting in Lewisham — your rights as a tenant in 2026

Lewisham is one of London's more affordable inner boroughs, attracting renters priced out of neighbouring Southwark and Greenwich. However, some areas have older housing stock with persistent condition issues.

£1,800
Average monthly rent
5
Common tenant issues
45,000 households
Private renter households

Common issues for Lewisham renters

⚠Rising rents
⚠Older housing conditions
⚠Deposit disputes
⚠Damp and mould
⚠HMO standards

How the Renters' Rights Act affects Lewisham

From 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 brings major changes for every private tenant in Lewisham. 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. Particularly relevant in Lewisham where competition for properties drives up prices. Landlords must advertise a set price and cannot accept offers above it.

Your local council

London Borough of Lewisham

Environmental Health / Private Renting Team: 020 8314 6000

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 Lewisham 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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