Renters’ Rights Bill become law - what does it mean for you?

Millions of people living in private rented accommodation in England have been given new legal rights and protections.

The government’s new Renters’ Rights Act includes measures such as:

• ending Section 21 - or no-fault - evictions.
• ending estate agent bidding wars
• limiting the ability of landlords to raise rent
• preventing landlords from refusing tenants because they have children or claim benefits
• creating a new database of landlords and rental properties to boost compliance and visibility
• introducing a new private rented sector landlord ombudsman

The law also extends the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector, which means landlords must make sure that rented homes meet a minimum standard.

New law ‘levels the playing field’

Housing secretary Steve Reed believes the new law marks the biggest increase in renters’ rights in a generation.

“For decades, the scales have been tipped against tenants,” he said.

“Now, we’re levelling the playing field between renters and landlords.  

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer added that 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,” he commented.

“We’re putting an end to that.”

Renters’ groups hail ‘landmark legislation’

The Renters’ Reform Coalition, which includes 19 leading housing organisations including Shelter and Citizens Advice, has hailed the new law as “landmark legislation”.

“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,” said director Tom Darling. 

“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.” 

Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, added that he hopes renters can “rest a little easier tonight”.