The government has revealed that significant protections for millions of renters will be implemented in half a year. Starting from May 1, 2026, the Renters’ Reform Act will prohibit Section 21 eviction notices, which currently allow landlords to evict tenants without cause. Additionally, the act will ban bidding wars among potential tenants and restrict landlords from raising rents more than once annually.
Under the new legislation, landlords will be prohibited from discriminating against tenants based on receiving benefits or having children. Furthermore, landlords will no longer be able to unreasonably reject tenants’ requests to own pets. This law, previously part of a manifesto pledge, was recently enacted after a long delay from the previous government’s commitments.
Section 21 notices, commonly known as “no-fault evictions,” have been criticized for leaving many families at risk of homelessness annually. Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the importance of ending such evictions and holding rogue landlords accountable. Local councils in England will be tasked with enforcing the new regulations from May next year, with the authority to levy fines of up to £7,000 for violations.
Generation Rent’s Chief Executive, Ben Twomey, commended the Renters’ Rights Act as a crucial step towards rebalancing the landlord-renter power dynamic. He highlighted the fear and instability caused by Section 21 evictions, expressing relief that this outdated law will soon be eradicated.
Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the end of discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children. The Renters’ Rights Act aims to eliminate unfair exclusions and ensure secure housing for all, aligning with a push for equality and fairness in the rental system. McGovern emphasized the imminent reality of these changes, heralding a significant shift towards a more just and equitable rental landscape.