Landlords will face new regulations aimed at protecting millions of renters starting on May 1, 2026. The Renters’ Reform Act will prohibit Section 21 eviction notices, which allow landlords to evict tenants without cause. Additionally, bidding wars among potential tenants will be banned, and landlords will be restricted from increasing rent more than once a year.
Under the new law, landlords will be prohibited from discriminating against tenants based on receipt of benefits or having children. They will also be required to reasonably consider tenants’ requests to have pets. The legislation, a manifesto promise, was recently enacted after a previous failure to deliver on similar commitments by the previous government.
Section 21 notices, commonly known as “no-fault evictions,” have been criticized for pushing many families toward homelessness annually. Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the importance of the new law in providing security and peace of mind for all tenants. Local councils in England will be tasked with enforcing the regulations from May next year, with the authority to impose fines up to £7,000 for violations.
Generation Rent’s Chief Executive, Ben Twomey, praised the law as a crucial step towards rebalancing the relationship between tenants and landlords. He highlighted the end of the fear associated with Section 21 evictions and the empowerment of renters to address concerns without the threat of eviction.
Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern emphasized the significance of preventing discrimination against tenants based on benefits or having children. She stressed the need to eradicate exclusion in housing and ensure fairness and equality in the rental system. The changes are set to take effect in the coming months, heralding a shift towards a more just and equal rental landscape.