New legal protections for renters

The Renters' Rights Act came into effect today (1 May). It gives lots of new legal protections to tenants:

• Section 21 'no‑fault' evictions have been scrapped
• Fixed‑term tenancies have been replaced with rolling tenancies
• Rent can only be increased once a year and at least two months' notice must be given
• Rental bidding and asking for large amounts of rent upfront is no longer allowed
• It's illegal for landlords to refuse tenants just because they receive benefits or have children
• Renters can ask to keep pets unless a landlord has a valid reason for them not to.

The government has produced a useful overview of these and other changes to renters' rights. Read more here.

A positive step

Porchlight believes that the Renters' Rights Act is a positive step towards tackling the homelessness crisis. We're glad that renters now have more protections, security and peace of mind.

'No fault' evictions have been a big cause of homelessness. In the past, a small number of landlords abused them to remove tenants because they’ve complained about the quality of their housing, or to free up the property for a sale. The Act means this an no longer happen.

Despite the benefits, we know that the changes mean landlords may become more selective about who they rent to. People living in our homelessness properties who are now ready to move out and live independently again could be affected due to the stigma attached to homelessness. Our concern is more people could be stuck in limbo and unable to vacate a bed that could be used by someone still on the streets.

So, although the Renters' Rights Act is a long overdue step forward, more work is needed to create a fair and inclusive private rental sector.

END WITH PORCHLIGHT