An estimated 11 million individuals rent privately in the UK, a group to which I belonged until recently. I have experienced the vulnerability of being subject to landlords who could evict tenants swiftly for raising concerns about poor services, mold issues, or excessive charges.
Legislation protecting renters from unscrupulous landlords who evict them without just cause is a positive development. While many landlords are reputable, the need for new regulations arose due to the actions of a notable portion. Despite not being flawless, these new rules offer renters some peace of mind going forward.
The Renters’ Rights Act has now become law after significant debates in the House of Commons and Lords. The implementation of the new regulations will be staged over the upcoming months and extend into mid-2026. Interested parties can refer to Shelter for a comprehensive guide on the new provisions.
Under the new law, ‘no-fault’ evictions, also known as Section 21 evictions, are eliminated. Instead, tenancies will transition to ‘Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs),’ where landlords must provide valid reasons to terminate the tenancy. Rent increases are permissible once a year with a two-month notice period.
For issues leading to eviction, tenants must receive a ‘Section 8’ notice, detailing the grounds for possession, which must now be fair to both parties. The law aims to prevent ‘backdoor eviction,’ where landlords force tenants out to raise rents significantly.
Tenants now have more rights to request pet permission, although landlords can still decline unreasonably. Additionally, new rules introduce Awaab’s Law alongside the Renters’ Rights Law to address hazards in social housing, eventually extending to private renters.
Discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children is prohibited under the new law. Landlords will be required to adhere to a Private Rented Sector Database to understand legal obligations, with transparency in pricing and capped upfront fees.
Stricter penalties for landlords and Rent Repayment Orders for superior landlords will be enforced. Despite concerns raised by landlords, the new law aims to balance protections for tenants while addressing potential unintended consequences.
Tenants are encouraged to document property issues and maintain evidence for complaints against landlords. Seeking mediation through third parties like Citizens Advice or Shelter is advisable for resolving disputes. Legal action may be considered if other avenues fail to address grievances effectively.