In a landmark moment for housing reform, the Renters’ Rights Act has officially become law, delivering the most significant expansion of tenant rights in a generation.
The legislation fulfils a key pledge in the government’s Plan for Change, aiming to rebalance the relationship between England’s 11 million tenants and 2.3 million landlords.
At the heart of the Act is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, a practice that has contributed to rising homelessness and housing insecurity. Tenants will now be empowered to:
- Challenge poor conditions and unfair rent increases without fear of eviction
- End tenancies with two months’ notice
- Request to keep pets, with landlords required to provide valid reasons for refusal
The Act also introduces stronger repossession grounds to protect legitimate landlord interests and support continued investment in the rental sector.
The legislation bans landlords and agents from refusing tenants based on having children or receiving benefits, addressing long-standing discrimination in the private rented sector.
For the first time, the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law will apply to private rentals, ensuring safer, healthier living conditions.
A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will offer swift, impartial, and binding resolutions to tenant complaints, with powers to compel landlords to:
- Issue apologies
- Provide information
- Take remedial action
- Pay compensation
Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said:
“Our historic Act marks the biggest leap forward in renters’ rights in a generation. We are finally ending the injustice overseen by previous governments that has left millions living in fear of losing their homes.
“For decades, the scales have been tipped against tenants. Now, we’re levelling the playing field between renters and landlords.
“We are tearing down the walls of injustice in the private rented sector and building a future where tenants are protected, respected and empowered.
“This is an historic moment for renters across the country and we’re proud to deliver it.”
Next, Ministers will outline the rollout plan in the coming weeks, including further reforms that will end bidding wars, limit upfront rent demands, and strengthen local authority enforcement
This Act marks a seismic shift in housing policy, giving renters greater security, dignity, and control over their living conditions.
Image credit: iStock
