An estimated 11 million individuals rent privately in the UK, a group I recently belonged to. I have firsthand experience of the vulnerability renters face when dealing with landlords who can evict them on short notice for raising concerns about issues like poor service, mold, or excessive charges.
Legislation safeguarding renters from arbitrary evictions by unscrupulous landlords is a positive development. While many landlords are reputable, a significant number necessitated the implementation of new regulations. Despite not being flawless, these rules offer renters a sense of security moving forward.
The Renters’ Rights Act has now become law after undergoing rigorous debates in the House of Commons and Lords. The implementation of the new rules will be gradual over the upcoming months and into mid-2026. Resources like Shelter provide detailed guidance on the implications of these regulations.
The new law eliminates ‘no-fault’ evictions, also known as Section 21 evictions, where landlords could terminate tenancies with just two months’ notice without citing a reason. Tenancies will transition to Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs), ensuring landlords have valid grounds, such as anti-social behavior or rent arrears, to end a tenancy with appropriate notice periods.
Although rent can still increase, landlords are restricted from raising it arbitrarily mid-tenancy. Rent hikes can occur once a year with a mandatory two months’ notice. In cases of rule violations, tenants must receive a ‘Section 8’ notice outlining the reasons for eviction.
The law aims to prevent ‘backdoor evictions’ where landlords exploit rent hikes to force tenants out for higher-paying occupants. Tenants can challenge excessive rent increases through the ‘First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber – Residential Property).’
A new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman will offer tenants a platform for resolving complaints impartially and efficiently. The law also grants tenants the right to request keeping pets in the property, provided landlords do not unreasonably refuse.
Awaab’s Law, introduced alongside the Renters’ Rights Law, addresses hazards in housing, primarily focused on social housing tenants initially but will extend to private renters. The new law prohibits discrimination against tenants receiving benefits or with children.
Other provisions include a Private Rented Sector Database, limiting upfront rental payments, banning rental bidding, imposing stricter penalties on non-compliant landlords, and establishing Rent Repayment Orders for superior landlords.
While these regulations enhance tenant protections, potential challenges like rent increases, court congestion, and enforcement loopholes remain. Tenants can take proactive steps to address issues with their landlords, including documenting problems, filing complaints, seeking mediation, and exploring legal actions if necessary.