Labour’s Historic Renters’ Rights Act Becomes Law
The Renters’ Rights Bill has received Royal Assent, securing a fairer future for 11 million private renters in England. Housing is the single largest issue in my constituency mailbag.
This Act will rebalance the relationship between England’s 2.3 million landlords and 11 million tenants, ending a system that has left renters vulnerable to unfair treatment and insecurity. It grants renters the most significant increase to their rights in a generation.
This landmark legislation will abolish Section 21 'no fault' evictions, ending a practice that has threatened thousands of renters with homelessness. This seismic shift will empower tenants to challenge poor conditions and unreasonable rent increases without fear of retaliatory eviction.
The reforms will give renters the right to end tenancies with two months’ notice, while protecting legitimate landlord interests through strengthened repossession grounds that support continued investment in the sector.
In the coming weeks, ministers will outline how the reforms will be rolled out.
An overview of the measures that will protect renters in Stockport :
Abolish Section 21 evictions and move to a simpler tenancy structure where all assured tenancies are periodic.
Ensure possession grounds are fair to both parties.
Provide stronger protections against backdoor eviction by ensuring tenants are able to appeal excessive above-market rents.
Introduce a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman that will provide quick, fair, impartial and binding resolution for tenants’ complaints about their landlord.
Create a Private Rented Sector Database to help landlords understand their legal obligations and to help tenants to make informed decisions when entering into a tenancy agreement.
Give tenants strengthened rights to request a pet in the property.
Apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector to give renters safer, better value homes.
Apply Awaab’s Law to the sector, setting clear legal expectations about the timeframes within which landlords in the private rented sector must take action to make homes safe where they contain serious hazards.
Make it illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children.
End the practice of rental bidding by prohibiting landlords and agents from asking for or accepting offers above the advertised rent.
Prior to the general election in July 2024, Labour made a manifesto commitment to address the problems in the private rented sector. This landmark legislation delivers on our promise.
I am grateful to everyone from Stockport constituency as well as campaign groups who have corresponded with me on this issue.