Landlords will no longer have the ability to issue Section 21 eviction notices starting from May 1, 2026, as part of new regulations announced by the government. The Renters’ Reform Act will also prohibit bidding wars among potential tenants and restrict rent increases to once a year. Additionally, landlords will be forbidden from discriminating against tenants based on benefits or having children, and unreasonable refusal of tenant requests to own pets will not be allowed.
The legislation, fulfilling a manifesto promise, was recently enacted into law after being previously pledged by the Tories nearly a decade ago without delivery. The elimination of Section 21 notices, commonly known as “no-fault evictions,” is aimed at preventing thousands of families from facing homelessness annually. Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the importance of providing security and peace of mind to all individuals with a roof over their heads through the new law.
Local councils in England will be responsible for enforcing the regulations from May next year, with the authority to levy fines up to £7,000 for violations. Ben Twomey, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, praised the law as a crucial milestone in rebalancing the power dynamics between renters and landlords, addressing the longstanding issues in the rental system that have led to housing insecurity and poverty.
Amidst the imminent changes, Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern highlighted the significance of preventing discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children. She emphasized the Renters’ Rights Act as a pivotal step towards eradicating exclusion and inequality in the rental market, ensuring that landlords cannot unfairly lock out certain groups from secure housing. The upcoming changes are poised to bring about a significant shift towards equality and fairness within the rental sector.