Renter’s Rights Act to boost protections for millions

LocalPolitics
1 May 2026 • 9:06 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Renter’s Rights Act to boost protections for millions

  • The new Renters' Rights Act, effective this Friday, will significantly strengthen protections for 11 million private tenants across England.
  • The legislation abolishes Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, requiring landlords to provide valid reasons for removal, and introduces rolling month-to-month or week-to-week tenancy agreements.
  • Key reforms include fairer rent rules, limiting increases to once a year and preventing landlords from refusing tenants based on receiving benefits or having children.
  • Landlords must now reasonably consider requests for pets, can only ask for up to one month's rent upfront and must adhere to advertised rent prices to avoid bidding wars.
  • The Act, welcomed by housing charities and government officials, aims to provide greater security and prevent homelessness, with penalties of up to £40,000 for non-compliance.

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