Tag: tenants

Renters’ Rights: A fairer future for 11 million private renters in England

  • Renters’ Rights Bill receiveds Royal Assent yesterday, securing a fairer future for 11 million private renters in England
  • Landmark legislation will abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, ending a practice that has threatened thousands of renters with homelessness
  • The Act will rebalance landlord-tenant relations across England as part of the UK government’s Plan for Change

England’s 11 million private renters were granted the most significant increase to their rights in a generation when the UK government’s Renters’ Rights Bill received Royal Assent last night. 

The Renters’ Rights Act delivers on the government’s Plan for Change manifesto commitment to 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.    

At the core of the Act is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions – a practice that has pushed thousands into 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.  

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Every family deserves the dignity of a safe and secure home.  

“For too long, millions of renters have lived at the mercy of rogue landlords or insecure contracts, with their futures hanging in the balance. We’re putting an end to that.  

“A secure home isn’t just bricks and mortar – it’s the foundation for opportunity, safety, and a better life. No child should grow up without one.” 

Secretary of State Steve Reed said: “Our historic Act marks the biggest leap forward in renters’ rights in a generation. We are finally ending the injustice overseen by previous governments that has left millions living in fear of losing their homes.   

“For decades, the scales have been tipped against tenants. Now, we’re levelling the playing field between renters and landlords.  

“We are tearing down the walls of injustice in the private rented sector and building a future where tenants are protected, respected and empowered. This is an historic moment for renters across the country and we’re proud to deliver it.”  

Renters can expect to see further reforms that will put an end to bidding wars and stop landlords from demanding more than one month’s rent upfront. Tenants will also be able to challenge unfair rent increases and ask to keep a pet – something landlords can’t say no to without a good reason.  

The Renters’ Rights Act will also tackle discrimination head-on, banning landlords and agents from refusing tenants because they have children or receive benefits, strengthening local authority enforcement and bringing the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law into the private rented sector for the first time.   

A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will also offer swift, binding resolutions to tenants’ complaints. The service will offer fair, impartial and binding resolution for tenants and will have powers to compel landlords to issue an apology, provide information, take remedial action and/or pay compensation.  

Tom Darling, Director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, which includes Shelter, Generation Rent, Citizens Advice and ACORN, said: “The members of the Renters’ Reform Coalition have been campaigning for this generational upgrade to renters’ rights for a decade, so today is fantastic news for England’s 12 million renters. Our thanks to this Government for finally getting this landmark legislation, which has faced stiff opposition at various points, over the finishing line. 

“For far too long, tenants in England have been afraid to challenge their landlords or ask for essential repairs for fear of a section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction. Once the new law comes into force, section 21 will finally be consigned to the dustbin of history, and renters will gain crucial protections, as well as new powers to hold landlords to account.” 

Ben Twomey, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, said: “Today is a landmark day for 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 foundation of our lives, but for too long our broken renting system has left huge numbers of renters staring down the barrel of poverty and homelessness, whilst placing a huge strain on local councils. For decades, Section 21 evictions forced renters to live in fear of being turfed out of our homes, preventing us from raising valid concerns with our landlords. At last, this outdated and unfair law is being sent packing. 

“This new law didn’t appear out of thin air. It is the result of years of tireless campaigning from the renter movement, alongside the dedication and strength of ordinary renters.  I hope that renters across England can rest a little easier tonight in recognition of what we have achieved together. 

“The Government must now give clarity to renters and landlords by announcing an implementation date quickly, bringing in renters’ new rights as soon as possible.” 

Millions of tenants safe from black mould through Awaab’s Law

New laws are now in force protecting England’s social housing tenants from emergency hazards and damp and mould. The changes are a lasting legacy to Awaab Ishak

  • New rules will protect tenants and force social landlords in England to urgently fix dangerous homes. 
  • Emergency hazards to be addressed within 24 hours under landmark changes.
  • Reforms are a legacy to two-year-old Awaab Ishak who tragically died from prolonged exposure to mould. 

The first phase of Awaab’s Law will force social landlords to take urgent action to fix dangerous homes or face the full force of the law, improving lives for tenants and families living in all four million of England’s social rented homes. 

The new legal duties will finally put tenants’ safety first with landlords forced to fix emergency health and safety hazards within 24 hours of reporting. They must also investigate significant damp and mould within 10 working days of being notified and then make properties safe in five working days. For both types of hazards, they must also write the findings to tenants within three working days of inspection.   

As part of the reforms, landlords now must also consider the circumstances of tenants which could put them at risk – including young children and those with disabilities or health conditions. Alternative accommodation must also be offered if homes cannot be made safe within the required timeframes. 

These vital reforms will not only keep tenants safer in their homes, but hold landlords to account. Those who fail to comply with the rules face being taken to court, where they could be issued enforcement orders, forced to pay compensation and legal costs – as well as loss of rent if homes were uninhabitable.

Awaab’s Law is a lasting legacy to two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died after being exposed to mould at his Rochdale home in December 2020. In the wake of this tragedy, Awaab’s family has fought to secure justice, not only for their son but for all those who live in social housing. 

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:  ”Everyone deserves a safe and decent home to live in and Awaab Ishak is a powerful reminder of how this can sadly be a matter of life or death. 

“Awaab’s family has fought hard for change and their work to protect millions of tenants’ lives will live on as a legacy to their son. 

“Our changes will give tenants a stronger voice and force landlords to act urgently when lives are at risk, ensuring such tragedies are never repeated.”

More of Awaab’s Law will be phased in next year and in 2027 to make homes safer from more hazards, alongside work to build 1.5 million new homes, including the biggest boost of social and affordable housing in a generation. 

To bring further transformative and lasting change in the safety and quality of social housing and give tenants a stronger voice, a new £1 million fund has been launched by the government today to create new ways of helping tenants engage with their landlords and have more influence over decisions that affect them. 

Up to £100,000 will be granted to successful bidders who propose strong ideas for improving communication between landlords and tenants and help tenants have more of a say in how their homes are managed.

Examples of innovative ideas could include online platforms, marketing campaigns or recruiting specialist personnel who can support tenants to improve their experiences in social housing. 

This will help replace the outdated, inefficient ways of communicating that leave tenants feeling unheard and waiting too long to get issues resolved by their landlord. 

Social housing residents benefit from £140K funding

Targeted funding to tackle poverty and improve lives for residents and families across Scotland

TOTAL funding equating to £140,000 has played a vital role in improving the lives of hundreds of Wheatley Homes tenants thanks to a leading community benefit fund.

Enabling many to secure vital household essentials, the money has provided much needed digital equipment, reading books for children, furniture and white goods for homes in various parts of Scotland.

Awarded over a period of eight years by the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) through its Community Benefit Fund (CBF), these funds have also enabled Wheatley Foundation, part of Wheatley Group, to roll out key initiatives supporting families and individuals in need.

This includes access to essential items such as furniture and white goods, as well as refurbished digital equipment donated by Wheatley employees.

The wide-reaching fund draws from various sources, including £80,000 from SPA’s Community Benefit Fund and a £60,000 contribution from the LHC Procurement Group to improve the living conditions for vulnerable households across Wheatley over a period of two years.

Foundation Manager Laura Crumlish, Councillor Abdul Bostani, student Wazhma Shafaq and Group Director of Communities Laura Pluck are pictured as Afghan medical students are provided with iPads as part of a partnership project at 1455 Maryhill Road, on September 11, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Laura Crumlish, Foundation Manager at Wheatley Foundation, said: “Funding for Home Comforts will allow us to provide a lifeline for people who are struggling to access basic home essentials – items many of us take for granted.

“The funding is supporting programmes which continue to change lives for the better and give people in Wheatley communities an opportunity to reach their full potential.”

The Home Comforts project provides upcycled furniture and white goods, all cleaned, refurbished, and offered free of charge to Wheatley tenants. Wheatley Homes East has partnered with Four Square, a local Edinburgh charity, to deliver the initiative.

Four Square supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by offering accommodation, advice, and training opportunities. The charity also runs the Edinburgh Furniture Initiative, which plays a key role in the project.

Through this partnership, customers are offered a unique, retail-style experience where they can choose refurbished furniture and homeware that suits their personal taste and needs. Changing Lives, an employability programme provides training and support to vulnerable and unemployed tenants.

Another is Environmental Roots, a four-week pre-employability programme designed to help young people build confidence and prepare for future opportunities, including the Wheatley Environmental Apprenticeship.

A further project is, StreetWyze, an initiative for young people to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime and gang violence.

The 12-week programmes delivered throughout the year focused on themes including social media, territorialism and provided alternative activities to risk taking behaviours.

Laura added: “This tailored approach will ensure that people in different communities can benefit in ways that are right for them – whether that’s choosing their own furniture or receiving a ready-made pack when moving into a new home.”

The initiative goes beyond furniture, with the Community Benefit Fund also supporting a range of programmes that deliver lasting impact across Wheatley communities.

This includes Wheatley Foundation’s partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library – a monthly book gifting scheme, which provides free books to children under five.

It helps to spark a love of reading and support early learning in homes across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dumfries and Galloway.

In addition, the fund is also supporting Wheatley’s Techshare programme, which refurbishes and upcycles used laptops and iPads.

These devices are distributed to individuals and families, along with access to software and digital skills training, to help bridge the digital divide and boost employability opportunities.

Lesley Peaty, Regional Director at the Scottish Procurement Alliance, said: “This is a fantastic example of how social value is at the heart of procurement. We’re committed to ensuring that every pound we invest benefits people in real and lasting ways.

“Our work with Wheatley Group highlights how collaboration and thoughtful investment can directly uplift families and strengthen communities.”

The Scottish Procurement Alliance’s Community Benefit Fund is a cornerstone of its wider mission to channel procurement savings into meaningful projects, supporting housing providers and regenerating communities across Scotland.

To learn more about SPA, please visit: https://www.scottishprocurement.scot/

To learn more about the Wheatley Foundation, please visit: https://www.wheatley-group.com/better-lives

Rent control consultation published

Views sought on exemptions from rent control and where rent could be increased above cap

A consultation has been published on potential for certain exemptions from rent controls or increases above the rent cap.

Last year, the Scottish Government set out its plans for long-term rent controls in the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which will help create a fairer, better-regulated rented sector for tenants and landlords.

Tenants, landlords and others in the rented sector are being asked to share their views on possible exemptions to the rent cap, for example in connection with mid-market and Build to Rent properties.

The consultation also considers where landlords could be allowed to increase rents above the cap, for example where there have been improvements to their property or where rents have consistently been charged at a level below market rates.

Views are also being sought on how Ministers’ regulation-making powers could be used to clarify how private sector joint tenancies are ended.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The rent control proposals we have published as part of the Housing Bill are just some of the measures we are taking to improve lives and work towards achieving our goal of ending child poverty in Scotland.

“Our rent control proposals will help provide certainty for tenants by keeping them in their homes and ensure rents remain affordable during a cost-of-living crisis.

“Rental properties are a crucial element of our efforts to tackle the housing emergency and we want landlords to have the confidence to invest and continue to provide good quality, affordable homes.

“We have published this consultation as part of our ongoing engagement with those who will be affected by rent control.  The responses will help us strike the right balance between supporting tenants, whilst ensuring the rights of landlords are protected and we continue to support investment in the rented homes we need.”

Housing (Scotland) Bill – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space

Awaab’s Law coming to Scotland

Further protections for social housing tenants

Social housing residents in Scotland will be given greater protection against issues of disrepair in their homes such as damp and mould through the introduction of Awaab’s Law.

Awaab’s Law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died in 2020 after being exposed to mould in his home in Rochdale.

The Scottish Government intends to introduce amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill that will broaden Ministers’ powers to impose timeframes on social landlords to investigate disrepair and start repairs, through regulation, following engagement with the sector.

The regulations will build on provisions already in the Bill on strengthening tenants’ rights and Scotland’s existing legal protections for social tenants such as the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and the Right to Repair Scheme.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Introducing timescales and expectations for repairs aims to make sure this never happens to a child or their family ever again.

“Everyone in Scotland deserves the right to live in a warm, safe and secure home, free from disrepair. We already have a strong set of rights and standards that have been improving in Scotland.

“However, these measures will go even further and give power and confidence to tenants that any issues identified and repairs started in a timely manner, so any issues do not have a detrimental impact on their health.

“Our Housing Bill already contains proposals to improve tenants’ rights, and these measures will strengthen those even further to make sure their home is safe for them and their families.”

Housing (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website

Robust homelessness prevention measures in Housing Bill

Ensuring people receive help before reaching crisis

Further measures to prevent people experiencing the trauma of homelessness will be introduced as part of amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill currently places a stronger importance on preventing homelessness through ‘ask and act’ duties on social landlords and relevant bodies, such as Health Boards, Police Scotland and the Scottish Prison Service, to ask about a person’s housing situation as early as they can and act to avoid them becoming homeless wherever possible.

Scottish Government amendments to the Bill, developed with help from homelessness charities including Crisis, will ensure people get the help they need. They will also require a range of services to do more to prevent homelessness and to co-operate, share information and will be specific on what is required of them to help people remain in their homes, supported by £4 million pilot programmes in 2025-26.

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “We want Scotland to be a world leader in homelessness prevention. We already have the strongest homeless rights in the world, but we want to go even further. These changes to the Housing Bill will increase the likelihood that people will receive help before reaching the point of crisis.

“Making sure everyone has the right to a safe and stable home is essential to the Scottish Government’s priority of ending child poverty and the Bill will play a role in reaching that goal.

“Working closely with our partners including Crisis, we have developed a set of amendments that further strengthens rights and gives people the help they need by ensuring that preventing homelessness becomes a collective responsibility across society.

“These amendments will have a lasting, positive impact for many households, and I urge Parliament to back them when they come to a vote.”

Council tax rises set to impact Edinburgh housing market – Aberdein Considine

Ashleigh Urwin, Partner, Aberdein Considine, said: “The upcoming 8% increase in Council Tax in Edinburgh could have a marked impact on the housing market – not only does it add to the financial pressure faced by homeowners, but it will also make properties less affordable, especially for first time buyers.

“The knock-on impacts could include a slowdown in demand for properties, or a reduction in housing price growth.

“Larger family homes in the higher Council Tax bands, particularly in areas like Morningside, Bruntsfield and The Grange, are likely to see the biggest cost increases. And landlords in high demand rental areas, such as Leith and the city centre, could pass on extra costs to tenants, driving up rents.

“Both buyers and sellers will need time to adjust to these changes, so the impact on house prices and rental costs will likely not become known until a few months down the line.

“Buyers should carefully consider these rising costs when planning their budgets, and explore their financial options, negotiating on price where possible.

“It would also be wise for buyers to compare areas, as some neighbourhoods may be more impacted by the tax increase than others.”

Warm welcome for council initiative to deliver warmer homes and lower energy bills to tenants

TENANTS in nine homes in Edinburgh will benefit from major energy upgrades to improve living standards and lower energy bills.

The homes, located in the southeast of the city, boast an Energy Performance Certificate ‘B’ rating after a series of improvements including External Wall Insulation (EWI) and window upgrades.

They are now undergoing monitoring to assess energy consumption, tenant comfort, and overall performance. Data gathered from the homes will provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of these measures and help determine the feasibility of rolling out similar upgrades across other Council housing stock.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: “I warmly welcome what’s been achieved in collaboration with our partners, AtkinsRéalis and Anderson Bell + Christie, on this transformative retrofit project. The energy improvements are already delivering real benefits for tenants – lower energy bills, increased comfort, and more sustainable homes.

“The data we’re collecting will be instrumental in scaling up this work to happen across other Council homes in Edinburgh, contributing towards our Net Zero 2030 target. While the work involved is complex, the long-term benefits – for our tenants, communities, and our city’s environment – are undeniable.”

Anderson Bell + Christie Director Jonathan McQuillan said: “This project signals a real shift change in how Scottish social housing landlords are approaching their obligations to improve the energy and quality of homes ahead of the Scottish Government deadline – taking a co-ordinated, architectural viewpoint to ensure the measures put in place and undertaken are tailed to each and every building to ensure its effectiveness for many generations to come.

“The City of Edinburgh Council have been pioneering in their thinking and as a result of the pilot, on which we spent two years investigating and garnering the right data, the majority of their stock can now be retrofitted with confidence.

“The improvement works support future measures such as district heating systems, making them ‘net zero-ready’.”

The project adopted a ‘whole house approach’ to implement advanced retrofit standards for the nine pilot homes. The properties were selected following an in-depth review of 52 building types which involved comprehensive surveys, including asbestos checks, air-tightness testing, and extensive energy modelling.

Campaign launched to highlight tenants’ rights

Raising awareness of how to access support

A campaign to increase awareness of tenants’ rights has been launched by Housing Minister Paul McLennan. This includes information about where renters can to go to access help and advice.

Tenants in Scotland have some of the strongest rights in the UK which include:

  • the right to ask for a review of a rent increase and for landlords to give the correct notice period before increasing rent
  • protection from illegal evictions or being asked to leave a property without proper notice
  • the right to a rented home that is maintained to an acceptable standard.

Speaking on his visit to Citizens Advice Scotland in Pennywell yesterday, Mr McLennan said: “People who rent their homes in Scotland already have strong rights when it comes to rent rises, maintenance and repairs and evictions. This campaign is important to make sure we increase awareness of these rights. 

“We also want to highlight the end of the temporary change to rent adjudication on 31 March. This was put in place to support the transition back to market rent following the temporary cap on rents under the Cost of Living Act.

“Under existing legislation most private tenants continue to have the right to seek a review of a rent increase and I would encourage any tenant who is concerned about this to apply.

“We’re also taking forward measures in the Housing Bill to address the need for longer term action on rent control and strengthen tenants’ rights where it’s needed.”

Citizens Advice Scotland spokesperson Aoife Derry said: “A safe, secure home is foundational to people’s lives. We see thousands of people coming to our local bureaux seeking advice because they are struggling to afford their rent, as well as landlords who need support.

“The Scottish CAB network is here to help with free confidential advice for anyone who needs it. We need to see a rented sector that works for everyone, where everyone knows their rights and responsibilities, and clear information and access to redress when things go wrong.

“Scotland deserves a rented sector that works for everyone, so that more people can stay in their homes.”

Information is available to support tenants who are concerned about paying their rent:

If you cannot pay your rent – mygov.scot

Fresh Rooms service at Fresh Start

FRESH START’s painting and decorating service has gone through some recent changes and we would like to launch our new Fresh Rooms service! 👩‍🎨

Fresh Rooms replaces the formerly named Hit Squad painting and decorating service and we are also delighted to welcome our new Volunteer Coordinator, Caitlin to the team. Caitlin has hit the ground running, has a great connection with service users and is pictured here, taking part in her first practical Fresh Rooms session!

Fresh Rooms offers painting and decorating support to people moving on from homelessness when they move into their new tenancy. Tenants are given the choice of what colour they would like their new home painted and a volunteer lead team come along and work their magic.

If you are working with someone that can benefit from this service, or would like to volunteer, either as an individual or as a corporate volunteering day please get in touch 😊💙

#helpingmakeahome

#Homelessness

#paintingvolunteering