Sadiq Khan launches three-year programme to support tenants and strengthen enforcement of the Renters’ Rights Act across the capital
London renters are set to receive additional support under a new £400,000 funding programme announced by the Mayor of London, aimed at helping tenants understand and enforce their rights under the Government’s landmark Renters’ Rights Act.
The three-year Renters’ Rights Enforcement Fund will provide financial support to up to two organisations that offer free advice and practical assistance to private renters across London. The initiative is designed to ensure tenants can access help when dealing with unsafe housing conditions, unfair rent increases, unlawful landlord behaviour and other housing disputes.
The majority of the funding will be directed towards frontline organisations that support renters in navigating the new legislation. The remaining funding will be used to train local authority officers, equipping them with the expertise needed to use enhanced enforcement powers and take action against rogue landlords.
The announcement follows the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, which represents one of the most significant overhauls of tenant protections in a generation. Key measures include the abolition of Section 21 "no-fault" evictions, providing tenants with greater security and stability in their homes.
With approximately 2.7 million people renting privately in London, the Mayor says the investment will help ensure the new legal protections deliver tangible benefits for residents. While many landlords provide good-quality accommodation and manage their properties responsibly, concerns remain about poor housing standards, excessive rent increases and tenants feeling unable to raise complaints for fear of losing their home.
By funding specialist advice services and strengthening local authority enforcement, City Hall hopes to improve awareness of renters' rights, empower tenants to challenge poor treatment and ensure landlords who fail to meet their legal obligations are held accountable.
The programme builds on ongoing efforts by the Mayor to improve conditions in the private rented sector, including supporting borough councils in tackling rogue landlords, helping renters challenge poor practice and boosting the supply of genuinely affordable housing across the capital.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
"I will always stand up for London’s renters who deserve to feel secure in their homes and confident that they can challenge rogue landlords when their rights are ignored.
"The Renters’ Rights Act is a game changer for tenants. It gives millions of renters’ stronger rights and greater security. But those rights will only make a difference if people know about them, can use them and have somewhere to go for help.
"That's why I'm investing in organisations that will stand alongside renters, helping them challenge rogue landlords and get justice when their rights are ignored. At the same time, we're making sure councils have the training they need to enforce the new law so that bad landlords face the consequences of breaking the rules.
"Every Londoner deserves a safe, secure and decent home, and this investment will help ensure these new rights for renters are more than words on paper, as we build a safer, fairer London for everyone.”
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