Landlords will face new regulations aimed at protecting millions of renters starting on 1 May 2026, as announced by the government. The Renters’ Reform Act will prohibit Section 21 eviction notices, which currently allow landlords to evict tenants without cause. Additionally, bidding wars among potential tenants will be outlawed, and rent increases will be limited to once a year.
Under the new legislation, landlords will be forbidden from discriminating against tenants based on receiving benefits or having children. Furthermore, they will not be able to unreasonably deny tenant requests to keep pets. The law, which was part of a previous manifesto pledge, was recently enacted after previous failed attempts by the Tories.
Section 21 notices, commonly known as “no-fault evictions,” have been criticized for leaving many families at risk of homelessness annually. Housing Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the importance of the new law in providing security and peace of mind to all tenants. Councils across England will be responsible for enforcing the regulations, with the authority to impose fines up to £7,000 for violations.
Generation Rent’s Chief Executive, Ben Twomey, praised the legislation as a crucial step towards rebalancing power dynamics between renters and landlords. He highlighted the impact of Section 21 evictions on tenant insecurity and expressed relief that the outdated law will soon be abolished.
Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern noted that the Renters’ Rights Act will prevent landlords from discriminating against tenants receiving benefits or with children. McGovern emphasized the importance of ending such exclusions and ensuring fair and equal access to secure housing. The upcoming changes were described as a significant advancement towards a more equitable rental system.