Millions of tenants in England are set to gain groundbreaking new rights within just six months, as the government confirms the Renters' Reform Act will take full effect from 1 May 2026.
An End to No-Fault Evictions and Bidding Wars
The most significant change sees the abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, which have allowed landlords to remove tenants without providing a reason. This practice has been criticised for leaving thousands of households facing homelessness each year.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed declared: "We're calling time on no fault evictions and rogue landlords. Everyone should have peace of mind and the security of a roof over their head - the law we've just passed delivers that."
The reforms also prohibit rental bidding wars between prospective tenants and limit landlords to increasing rent just once per year, providing greater financial predictability for renters.
Protection Against Discrimination
In a major shift, the act makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants receiving benefits or those with children. Property owners will also be barred from unreasonably refusing requests from tenants who wish to keep pets.
Alison McGovern, the Minister for Homelessness, told The Mirror: "For far too long, families with children and people receiving benefits have been unfairly locked out of safe and secure housing. This kind of exclusion has no place in our society."
Enforcement and Campaigner Response
Local authorities across England will be legally required to enforce these new regulations from May next year, with powers to issue fines of up to £7,000 for violations.
Ben Twomey, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, welcomed the changes: "This new law is a vital step towards re-balancing power between renters and landlords and should be celebrated. For decades, Section 21 evictions have forced renters to live in fear of being turfed out of our homes."
The legislation, which featured in the Labour party's election manifesto, received Royal assent last month, fulfilling a pledge that the Conservative government first made nearly a decade ago but failed to deliver.
