The Renters’ Rights Bill has become law after receiving Royal Assent, introducing a raft of reforms to give private renters greater security.
The Act includes changes to tenancy structures, property standards and notice periods, and provides new rights and responsibilities for those in the private rental sector.
The Act includes the abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, introducing a simpler tenancy structure where all assured tenancies are periodic.
It will also hand tenants stronger protections against backdoor eviction, allowing them to appeal excessive rent hikes.
A new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman will be introduced, to provide quick, impartial and binding resolutions to tenants’ complaints about landlords.
A Private Rented Sector Database will be created to help landlords to understand their legal obligations and achieve compliance, as well as provide tenants with better information to make informed decisions regarding tenancy agreements.
The Decent Homes Standard will also be applied to the sector to provide renters with better, safer homes, while the newly introduced Awaab’s Law will also be introduced to give clear timeframes for tackling hazards such as damp and mould.
The Act will also make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against potential tenants who receive benefits or have children, with the aim of making sure everyone is treated fairly when looking for a home to rent.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, said: “Every family deserves the dignity of a safe and secure home.”
“For too long, millions of renters have lived at the mercy of rogue landlords or insecure contracts, with their futures hanging in the balance. We’re putting an end to that.”
“A secure home isn’t just bricks and mortar – it’s the foundation for opportunity, safety, and a better life. No child should grow up without one.”
Housing secretary Steve Reed, 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.”
In the coming weeks, ministers will outline how the reforms will be rolled out.
Tom Darling, director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, which includes Shelter, Generation Rent, Citizens Advice and ACORN, said: “The members of the Renters’ Reform Coalition have been campaigning for this generational upgrade to renters’ rights for a decade, so today is fantastic news for England’s 12 million renters. Our thanks to this government for finally getting this landmark legislation, which has faced stiff opposition at various points, over the finishing line.”
“For far too long, tenants in England have been afraid to challenge their landlords or ask for essential repairs for fear of a section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction. Once the new law comes into force, section 21 will finally be consigned to the dustbin of history, and renters will gain crucial protections, as well as new powers to hold landlords to account.”
Kate Butler, assistant director of the British Property Federation, said: “The Renters’ Rights Bill will see a significant overhaul of the private rented sector, but despite Royal Assent there are still too many unanswered questions. The government needs to iron out a myriad of issues to ensure the sector has sufficient clarity to prepare for its implementation. Most of the Bill’s reforms will rely on secondary legislation, and a lack of clarity on timings risks destabilising the market and deterring landlord investment. The BPF has repeatedly called for a minimum six-month window between Royal Assent and implementation. Our biggest concerns lie with the ability of the courts to manage the increased case load that will arise as a result of the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault evictions’, and the First-Tier Tribunal’s ability to handle claims against Section 13 rent increases. The Bill is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a better regulated rental sector, but it could quickly be undermined by uncertainty.”
Brendan Geraghty, CEO of the Association for Rental Living, commented: “The Association for Rental Living welcomes the passing of the Renters’ Rights Act into law as legislation that will improve the rental experience and support the professionalisation of the rental sector.”
“We welcome broader recognition by the government of the role of the Build to Rent sector in delivering housing, as noted in the revised NPPF earlier this year, but reiterate our call to recognise that the Build to Rent sector already delivers, and in many cases exceeds, the outputs which this Act is designed to bring. As a customer centric sector, building trust and loyalty with our customers is a cornerstone of Build to Rent culture.”
“With Royal Assent now granted, we now call for the guidance the minister has promised on the practical implementation of the Act to enable our membership to transition smoothly and operate efficiently.”
“The Association for Rental Living stands ready to support our members with the changes within the Act as we continue our work in defining and upholding the highest standards for renting.”
