The Tenants’ Rights Act will come into effect on May 1, 2026, the government has announced.
The law will abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, introduce indefinite leases, limit rent increases to once a year and limit advance rent payments to one month.
The law got royal assent on October 27, and the government today set the timetable for the entry into force of two of the three phases of the legislation.
Phase one will take place from May 1, when section 21 evictions will be banned, fixed-term leases will be abolished and rent advances will be limited to one month. From this point onwards, landlords and their agents may no longer request or accept offers that are higher than the advertised rental price.
Similarly, from May 1, the government will increase the number of landlord or agent crimes for which tenants can reclaim rent, for example if a landlord fails to comply with the new ‘no-re-rent’ period after evicting a tenant to sell or move in.
Also in phase 1, tenants will have the right to formally request to keep a pet in the home.
Phase two will take place from an unspecified date in late 2026.
There will be a new Ombudsman for landlords in the private rental sector and a database for landlords to provide tenants with information about their homes and who they rent from.
The government has not set a start date for phase three, but there will be measures to improve the quality of private rental homes.
It will adopt and implement the Decent Homes Standard, which sets minimum quality levels for rental properties The law of Awaabwhich will set strict deadlines for repairing hazards such as damp and mold in private rental properties.
Generation Rent chief executive Ben Twomey said: “This new law is a crucial step towards a new balance between tenants and landlords and should be celebrated.
“Our homes are the foundation of our lives, but for too long, Section 21 evictions have forced tenants to live in fear of eviction from our homes, preventing us from raising valid concerns with our landlords. Finally, we know when this outdated and unfair law will be sent into law.
“This Renters’ Rights Act is the result of years of tireless campaigning from the tenants’ movement, alongside the dedication and strength of ordinary tenants. Our work is far from done, especially in challenging the unchecked and rising costs of rents, but with change on the horizon I hope tenants across England can rest a little easier tonight in recognition of what we have achieved together.”
Earlier this month, Pegasus Insight reported the Renters’ Rights Act will increase rental prices as landlords respond to stricter regulations and greater compliance requirements.