Local renters across England will benefit from stronger protections from rogue landlords from 1 May, as councils receive enhanced powers and funding to enforce the government’s flagship Renters’ Rights Act.
With less than a month until the Act comes into force, councils are being equipped with extra funding, training, and guidance to fulfil their expanded legal duties and ensure the new rules deliver real change for tenants.
All 317 local authorities will receive a share of £60 million in funding to help them prepare for and enforce the new legislation.
The funding package includes £41.12 million in new funding announced ahead of implementation, as well as an additional £18.2 million allocated last autumn.
The government said the investment will support councils to recruit staff, strengthen enforcement teams, and take swift action where landlords break the law.
From 1 May, councils will be given stronger legal duties and enforcement powers, designed to tackle persistent poor practice in the private rented sector.
New measures include a statutory duty to enforce, meaning councils will be legally required to ensure landlords comply with the new rules.
These rules prohibit:
- Rental bidding wars
- Discrimination against tenants with children or those receiving benefits
- ‘No‑fault’ evictions
The Renters’ Rights Act significantly strengthens penalties for landlords who repeatedly or seriously break the law.
Under the new framework:
- Maximum fines will rise from £30,000 to £40,000
- Rent Repayment Orders will double from one year to two years’ worth of rent
- Tenants will be able to challenge offences going back two years, up from one
The changes are designed to deter illegal practices and ensure tenants have meaningful routes to redress.
The new enforcement regime builds on expanded investigatory powers introduced for councils in December.
These powers allow councils to:
- Enter premises without prior notice where there is suspicion of illegal activity
- Access information from third parties, including banks and accountants
- Carry out more robust and thorough investigations into suspected breaches
The government said these tools are critical to cracking down on the most serious offenders. Steve Reed, Housing Secretary, commented:
“It’s less than a month until the Renters’ Rights Act begins to transform our private rented sector - a huge manifesto commitment.
“We’ve been preparing councils to use their new powers on the minority of landlords who rip off their tenants, and this new funding will help councils carry out their duties.
“Stronger powers and fines will help deter wrongdoing in the first place, as we work towards a better rental system that’s fairer to tenants and good landlords.”
To ensure the system works fairly for both renters and landlords, the government is also investing up to £50 million to modernise the civil courts, including the digitalisation of court processes.
In addition, £5 million a year is being invested through fee uplifts for the housing legal aid sector, ensuring renters continue to have access to free legal advice and support, particularly when facing eviction.
Image credit: iStock
