Day: May 1, 2026

‘Historic protections’ for renters in action across England

The most historic changes to private renting in England now give 11 million tenants landmark new rights and protections that will transform their experiences

  • 11 million private tenants in England are now protected by the biggest increase to renters’ rights in over 40 years
  • No more Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions as the Renters’ Rights Act stamps out the practice for good, as part of a huge package of new protections starting today (1 May 2026)
  • New rights with tougher fines now in force will help shield renters from financial exploitation, homelessness, discrimination and more

The most historic changes to private renting in England are now in action, giving 11 million tenants landmark new rights and protections that will transform their experiences.

This huge new package in force from today (1 May 2026) includes the highly anticipated ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – ending the practice of evicting tenants without justification which will give renters greater security and help prevent homelessness. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For too long, families have lived with the constant fear of eviction, while young people have been outbid for the homes they need to start their lives.

“Today we are putting that right. We promised to fix a broken rental system and we’re delivering.

“This historic action will make renting fairer, safer and more secure for millions, so people can settle, put down roots and build their lives.”

Other changes will protect renters’ pockets by limiting rent increases to once a year and upfront rent demands to just one month’s payment. Bidding wars are now banned, so no one has to battle it out with high offers to secure a place and tenants can challenge unreasonable rent hikes.

Renters now have the flexibility to end any tenancy with no more than two months’ notice, as fixed-term agreements become invalid from today.

It is now also illegal to discriminate against prospective tenants for being on benefits or having children and pet requests must be reasonably considered.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “Renters have been living at the mercy of rogue landlords and in fear of losing their home for too long.

“We are putting a stop to this with historic changes that give renters the security they deserve – marking the beginning of a new era for private renters.”

These new laws come with heftier penalties of up to £40k if they are broken and rogue landlords can no longer hide, as councils’ new powers under the Renters’ Rights Act kick in to investigate and clamp down harder.

Alongside boosted funding for councils to oversee the Act and take robust enforcement action, the courts are being digitalised to help tenants and landlords access justice, with millions being invested to simplify processes.

Generation Rent’s Chief Executive Ben Twomey said: “Today marks a new era for private renters across England. This new law is a vital step towards re-balancing power between renters and landlords and should be celebrated.  

“Our homes are the foundations of our lives, but, for decades, Section 21 evictions forced renters to live in fear of being turfed out of our homes, preventing us from raising valid concens with our landlords. At last, this outdated and unfair law has been sent packing.  

“If this law is to reach into people’s homes and improve their lives, it’s vital councils across the country are using all their powers to make sure landlords stick to the new rules. Meanwhile I encourage every renter to take the time to understand their new rights and how to enforce them.”

Clara Collingwood, Director at the Renters’ Reform Coalition, said: “It’s fantastic that section 21 no fault evictions have finally been banned. For too long this everyday injustice has allowed landlords to get away with outrageous behaviour – profiting from unhealthy homes and threatening tenants who try to stand up to them.

“And as well as abolishing section 21, the Renters’ Rights Act will make it easier for tenants to have pets in their home, limit rent up front to one month, end exploitative practices like bidding wars and make it easier to hold landlords to account over repairs. These are the biggest changes to private renting in a generation.

“It’s taken years of campaigning by renters’ organisations to get us to this point but thanks to this legislation, today we are significantly closer to securing decent, secure homes for every renter.”

Crisis Chief Executive Matt Downie said:  “Today marks an important milestone for the millions of people renting across England who have lived without stability and security for far too long. Private renters will finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief without the threat of a ‘no fault’ eviction or an unfair rent increase pushing them into homelessness.

“Section 21 evictions have long been one of the leading causes of homelessness. As an organisation we have campaigned long and hard to strengthen renters’ rights and today’s legislation is a critical step in doing so.

“At last, private renters can feel safe and secure in their homes without the threat of an unnecessary eviction forcing them into homelessness.”

How have renters’ rights improved?

  • No more Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – private landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason.
  • Goodbye to fixed contracts – all tenancies in the private rented sector will roll on from month to month or week to week (depending on your arrangement) with no end date, giving renters more flexibility. Tenants can end them with two months’ notice.
  • Fairer rent rules – landlords can only raise rent once a year and renters can challenge unfair hikes.
  • No more bidding wars – landlords must stick to no more than the advertised rent price.
  • One month’s rent upfront, max – landlords can’t ask for more.
  • No discrimination – it’s now illegal to refuse tenants just because they receive benefits or have kids.
  • Pets welcome – renters can now ask to live with a pet and landlords must reasonably consider it.

Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions

Private landlord possession claims using the Section 21 process that are going through the courts on the commencement date will proceed as normal.

After 1 May 2026, the courts will still be able to process Section 21 possessions that are ongoing, for example:

  • if a private landlord served their tenant with a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, any court possession proceedings must be made in line with the usual rules and no later than 31 July 2026, when using the Section 21 court process.
  • after this date (31 July 2026), the landlord will not be able to use the Section 21 process and must use the new grounds for possession.

Dogs Trust Pet Friendly Housing Lead, Jennifer Leonard, said: “Across the UK, one in seven requests we receive from people wishing to hand over care of their dog is due to a housing-related issue.  

“Now, we hope that fewer renters will face the heartbreaking choice between finding a safe place to live and keeping their beloved pet. The new legislation, alongside our resources on responsible pet ownership, provides clarity to landlords and tenants and will allow more people to benefit from the joy that pets can bring.”

Joanna Elson, CBE, Chief Executive at Independent Age said: “The implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act is an important milestone for tenants of all ages. For the rising number of older private renters that we support, it is vital.

“Many of the tenants in later life that we speak to say that, until now, they lived in a constant state of anxiety, worried about being evicted for no reason and the consequences of asking their landlord for repairs.

“Although the job of making renting safe, secure and affordable for everyone is not yet done, today, we are a significant step closer.”

Seyi Obakin, chief executive of leading youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, said: “Ending youth homelessness requires a series of policies aimed at reducing the number of young people at risk and supporting those already experiencing it into sustainable tenancies and employment. 

“The protections in the Renters’ Rights Act will prevent thousands of young people pushed into homelessness every year because of no fault evictions. This is a cause for real celebration: from the beginning of this month, fewer young people will end up in housing crisis or trapped in temporary accommodation as a result of a no-fault eviction. 

“Private renting is the default option hundreds of thousands of young people across the country – the increased protections in this Act mean they better able to rely on the security of their tenancies and enjoy and benefit from the stability that brings.”

Amira Campbell, National Union of Students President said: “Renting as a student can be as stressful as any university assignment. The Renters’ Rights Act is a transformative piece of legislation, giving us the ability to leave tenancies, capping the rent that can be demanded upfront, and stopping the rush to sign next year’s contract.

“I am proud of the student leaders who worked with us to ensure that Act reflects the reality we face as students and gives us the reassurances we need to be able to feel secure in our housing. Those students have made sure that future students will not face the same exploitative conditions they had to endure.

“I hope the momentum to give renters our rights only continues. Students are an important part of any university town or city, and we need a warm, decent place to live.”

David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: “This is an historic day for pet ownership.

“For too long, renters in England have been unfairly denied the potential joy of pet ownership. That ends thanks to this new law.

“This change is a lifeline – not just for families wanting to add a loving pet to the household, but for the many thousands of animals currently stuck in many full to bursting centres, who will now have many new opportunities to find loving adopters.

“Pet ownership is such a big commitment – but can be so rewarding. At the RSPCA, we are celebrating that the Renters’ Rights Act will facilitate happier, healthier tenants right across the country – and help us tackle a pet rehoming crisis.”

Emma Haddad, CEO at St Mungo’s: “The Renters’ Rights Act represents a sea change moment for people who have been pushed into or put at risk of homelessness.

“Measures in the Act, including a ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and limits on rent increases, signal a fundamental shift away from a system that has led people into homelessness instead of into a secure and stable home. 

“Alongside the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force, we need to ensure that all elements of the Government’s National Plan to End Homelessness are progressed.”

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, comments: “Today marks a significant step forward for tenants across England as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, bringing in a new era of protections and greater transparency in the private rented sector.

“The removal of Section 21 means tenants can no longer be evicted without a specific legal reason, which represents a major shift in security of tenure. At the same time, the new system places greater responsibility on landlords and agents to ensure every step of the process is evidence-based and fully compliant with the law.

“This is a complex transition for the sector, but professional, well-trained and qualified letting agents will play a vital role in making sure these changes work effectively in practice.”

Industry support continues

Propertymark continues to support agents as they implement the new legislative framework, helping ensure they remain compliant, informed, and confident in their responsibilities.

In turn, well-trained and qualified agents are best placed to guide their landlords effectively through these changes, ensuring that tenants benefit from consistently high standards of professionalism, transparency, and legal compliance across the rental sector.

The stronger the understanding within the agency sector, the better the experience and protection delivered to tenants under the new system.

Scottish coalition celebrates Tobacco and Vapes Bill becoming law

The Scottish Coalition On Tobacco (SCOT) is celebrating the UK Government’s landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which was introduced with a four nations approach on 5 November 2024, having received Royal Assent to become law this week (Wednesday 29 April).

The new law means that from 1 January 2027 it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. It will also bring in other major public health driven measures such as a ban on the sale of nicotine pouches to under 18s and outlaw the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and other recreational nicotine products.

The Scottish Coalition On Tobacco, an alliance of 19 health advocacy charities, royal colleges, pharmacy and medical associations convened by ASH Scotland, is welcoming the new law as a major step towards Scotland becoming a tobacco-free nation.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland and Chair of SCOT, said: “With tobacco continuing to be the biggest preventable killer of people in Scotland, causing nearly 9,000 deaths each year, we are delighted that strong measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Act will become reality as they can be truly transformative and must be implemented without delay.

“Everyone should have the right to breathe clean air, and this is a significant step towards eradicating the damage being inflicted by profit-centred multi-national corporations on people’s lives, especially in our poorest communities, and tackling the advertising and promotions of addictive, heath harming recreational nicotine products such as vapes and nicotine pouches.”

Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: “This is a true landmark moment for public health.

“For everyone who has lost someone to a smoking related heart attack or stroke, for every clinician who has seen the toll of tobacco at the bedside, and for every young person who will now grow up free from the harms of smoking – we celebrate this historic achievement that will save lives for generations to come.” 

Professor Steve Turner, President of Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), said: “The Tobacco and Vapes Act has the exact type of bold ambition and long‑term thinking that makes meaningful change for children and young people. This will help to improve child health outcomes and narrow the unacceptable health inequalities gap.

“Paediatricians are thrilled to have supported this important piece of legislation, which will reduce the unacceptable burden that tobacco and vaping places on today’s youth, and also protect future generations from the harms of nicotine addiction. I celebrate this landmark moment for child health. This is a clear signal that the wellbeing of children and young people can and should come first.”

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “This landmark legislation means a smoke free future across the UK and the tobacco industry will no longer be able to wreak havoc on the lungs of the next generation. The Act also builds on restrictions concerning where vapes, cigarettes, and heated tobacco products can be used which we welcome.

“The next Scottish Government needs to outline how the bill will be implemented. It must also make sure existing smokers aren’t left behind by providing essential smoking cessation support, especially in areas of deprivation where smoking rates are highest. We are looking forward to working with new MSPs to go further to protect public health and hold the tobacco industry to account.”

Adam Osprey, Head of Policy at Community Pharmacy Scotland, said: “Community pharmacy teams contribute to the goal of a smoke-free Scotland by supporting tens of thousands of quit attempts each year, and have done for over 15 years.

“These teams have been sharing in more recent times their concern over the changing patterns in nicotine use, whether that be the rise in popularity of vapes and pouches. On behalf of our members, we are delighted that the Bill has passed and received Royal Assent, as its bold commitments to action provide the preventative measures that are required to complement the well-established cessation offering in Scotland”.

Professor Mark Strachan, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said: “We are extremely pleased that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which we supported consistently from the beginning of this process – has now received Royal Assent.

“This truly is a historic moment in the UK which offers the opportunity for all future generations of young people to be protected from the harms of smoking as we strive for a smoke-free society. The stricter regulation of vapes, especially in relation to young people, is also important.

“As we celebrate this major milestone in public health policy and the progress that has been made over the last few decades, we also remember that smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the UK and we will continue to work with others to ensure that all existing smokers are regularly offered and provided with access to the highest quality cessation support and that this support is backed up with appropriate investment.”