The biggest changes to private renting in England for 40 years take effect today under the Renters’ Rights Act, including the end of Section 21 evictions.

Renters now have the flexibility to end any tenancy with no more than two months’ notice as fixed-term agreements become invalid, while rent increases are limited to once a year and upfront rent demands are limited to just one month’s payment. Bidding wars are banned and it is illegal to discriminate against prospective tenants for being on benefits or having children while pet requests must be reasonably considered.

These new laws come with heftier penalties of up to £40,000 if they are broken, local councils have been given extra cash to oversee the Act and take enforcement action, while the courts are being digitalised to help speed through an expected rise in Section 8 eviction cases and tribunal hearings into rent increases and claims for rent repayment orders. The government has published more guidance for landlords here.

Fairer

Prime Minister Keir Starmer says renting will now be fairer, safer and more secure for millions, while Housing Secretary Steve Reed (pictured left) adds: “Renters have been living at the mercy of rogue landlords and in fear of losing their home for too long. We are putting a stop to this with historic changes that give renters the security they deserve - marking the beginning of a new era for private renters.”

Tenant groups welcomed the changes, particularly the end of Section 21. Clara Collingwood, director at Renters Reform Coalition, says for too long this “everyday injustice” has allowed landlords to get away with “outrageous behaviour - profiting from unhealthy homes and threatening tenants who try to stand up to them.

Years

“It’s taken years of campaigning by renters’ organisations to get us to this point but thanks to this legislation, today we are significantly closer to securing decent, secure homes for every renter.”

Generation Rent’s chief executive Ben Twomey (pictured right) adds: “At last, this outdated and unfair law has been sent packing.” However, he says: “If this law is to reach into people’s homes and improve their lives, it’s vital councils across the country are using all their powers to make sure landlords stick to the new rules.”

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