Landlords across England will face new regulations in six months, as the government has revealed plans for significant protections for renters. Starting on May 1, 2026, the Renters’ Reform Act will outlaw Section 21 eviction notices, which allow landlords to evict tenants without cause. Additionally, bidding wars between potential tenants will be prohibited, and landlords will be restricted from raising rents more than once a year.
Under the new law, landlords will be forbidden from discriminating against tenants based on benefits or having children. Moreover, landlords will no longer be able to unreasonably deny requests from tenants to have pets. This legislation, a manifesto promise, was recently enacted into law after years of delay by previous administrations.
Section 21 notices, commonly known as “no-fault evictions,” have been criticized for leaving numerous families at risk of homelessness annually. Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the importance of the new law, stating that it aims to end no-fault evictions and hold rogue landlords accountable. Councils in England will oversee the enforcement of the regulations starting in May next year, with the authority to impose fines of up to £7,000 for violations.
Ben Twomey, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, praised the new law as a crucial step in rebalancing the power dynamics between renters and landlords. He highlighted the impact of Section 21 evictions on renters’ fears and emphasized the positive change the Renters’ Rights Act will bring.
Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern also commended the legislation, emphasizing that it will prevent landlords from discriminating against tenants on benefits or with children. She emphasized the importance of ending exclusion and injustice in the rental sector, aiming to provide equal and fair housing opportunities for all individuals.
The upcoming changes herald a monumental shift towards equality and fairness in the rental system, with a focus on ensuring secure and decent housing for all.