Landlords will soon face new regulations aimed at protecting renters, with the government announcing that significant changes will take effect in six months. The Renters’ Reform Act, set to be enforced from May 1, 2026, will prohibit Section 21 eviction notices, which allow landlords to evict tenants without cause. Additionally, bidding wars among prospective tenants will be outlawed, and rent increases will be limited to once a year.
Under the new legislation, landlords will be prohibited from discriminating against tenants based on factors such as receiving benefits or having children. They will also be required to reasonably consider requests from tenants to keep pets. The Renters’ Reform Act, which recently became law after being a long-standing manifesto commitment, aims to provide security and peace of mind to all renters.
Section 21 notices, commonly known as “no-fault evictions,” have been criticized for leaving many families at risk of homelessness. Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the importance of the new law in ending such evictions and holding rogue landlords accountable. The government plans for local councils in England to oversee the implementation of the regulations, with the power to levy fines of up to £7,000 for non-compliance.
Ben Twomey, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, praised the new law as a significant step towards rebalancing the relationship between renters and landlords. He highlighted the impact of Section 21 evictions on renters’ anxiety and expressed relief that the outdated law is being phased out.
Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern emphasized that the Renters’ Rights Act will address discrimination issues faced by tenants on benefits or with children. She underscored the importance of ending such exclusions in society and noted the impending changes as a positive shift towards equality and fairness in the rental system.