Massive boost for 11 million private renters in England with new law | Politics | News
More than 11 million private tenants in England have been given the most significant support for their rights in a generation. The Government’s Tenants’ Rights Bill became law last night and ministers hope it will end a system that leaves tenants vulnerable to unfair treatment and mistrust.
At the heart of the law is the removal of ‘no-fault’ evictions in Section 21, a practice that has led thousands of people to become homeless. This seismic shift will make it easier for tenants to challenge poor conditions and unreasonable rent increases without fear of retaliatory evictions.
The reforms will give tenants the right to end a tenancy with two months’ notice, while also protecting the interests of legitimate landlords through strengthened clawback grounds that support continued investment in the sector.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Every family deserves the dignity of a safe and secure home.
“For too long, millions of tenants have been at the mercy of fraudulent landlords or unsafe contracts, with their futures uncertain. We are putting an end to this.
“A safe home is more than just bricks and mortar; it is the foundation of opportunity, security and a better life. No child should grow up homeless.”
Housing Minister Steve Reed said: “Our historic Bill marks the biggest breakthrough in tenants’ rights for a generation. We are finally putting an end to the injustice overseen by previous governments that left millions living in fear of losing their homes.”
“For decades the scales have been tilted against tenants. Now we are leveling the playing field between tenants and landlords.
“We are breaking down the walls of injustice in the private rented sector and building a future where tenants are protected, respected and empowered.
“This is a historic moment for tenants across the country, and we are proud to deliver.”
Tenants can expect to see further reforms to end bidding wars and prevent landlords from demanding more than a month’s rent in advance.
Tenants will also be able to oppose unfair rent increases and demand to have pets; Something homeowners can’t say no to without a good reason.
The Tenant Rights Bill will also directly tackle discrimination, ban landlords and estate agents from rejecting tenants because they have children or are on benefits, strengthen local authority enforcement and bring the Decent Homes Standard and the Awaab Code to the private rental sector for the first time.
A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will also provide fast and binding solutions to tenants’ complaints.
The service will provide a fair, impartial and binding resolution for tenants and will have the power to compel landlords to apologize, provide information, take corrective action and/or pay compensation.
Tom Darling, Director of the Tenants Reform Coalition, which includes Shelter, Generation Rent, Citizens Advice and ACORN, said: “Members of the Tenants Reform Coalition have been campaigning for a decade to improve the rights of tenants across generations, so today is great news for England’s 12 million renters. We are finally pushing this landmark legislation, which has faced fierce opposition at various points, across the finish line.” We thank this Government for bringing it.
“For too long, tenants in England have been afraid to challenge their landlords or demand basic 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 tenants will have crucial protections as well as new powers to hold landlords to account.”
Ben Twomey, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, said: “Today is a landmark day for renters in England. This new law is a vital step towards rebalancing power between tenants and landlords and should be celebrated.”
“Our homes are the foundation of our lives, but for too long our broken rental system has pushed too many tenants to the brink of poverty and homelessness, while placing huge pressure on local councils. For decades, Section 21 evictions have forced tenants to live in fear of being evicted from our homes, preventing us from raising valid concerns with our landlords. Finally, this outdated and unfair law is being packaged.
“This new law did not come out of nowhere. It is the result of years of tireless campaigning by the tenant movement, as well as the determination and strength of ordinary tenants. I hope tenants across the UK can sleep a little easier tonight, knowing what we have achieved together.
“The government must now provide clarity to tenants and landlords by quickly announcing the implementation date and bring new rights to tenants as soon as possible.”
