No-fault evictions to end from May

Reforms from the Renters' Rights Act are due to begin from 1 May 2026, affecting 11 million renters

The Renter's Rights Act has passed into law and the timeline for implementing the legal protections has been published.

From 1 May 2026, Section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction notices will be banned, tenants will be able to appeal excessive above-market rent increases that try to force them out and landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse tenants’ requests to have a pet.

At the same time, landlords will have stronger legally valid reasons to get their properties back when needed.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “We’re calling time on no fault evictions and rogue landlords. Everyone should have peace of mind and the security of a roof over their head - the law we’ve just passed delivers that.

“We’re now on a countdown of just months to that law coming in – so good landlords can get ready and bad landlords should clean up their act.”

It will become illegal for landlords and letting agents to: increase rent prices more than once a year; ask for more than one month’s rent payment in advance; pit prospective tenants against one another through rental bidding wars; discriminate against potential tenants, because they receive benefits or have children.

Councils will be responsible to overseeing the new changes and will be backed by stronger enforcement powers. This includes tougher fines of up to £7,000 for breaches, rising up to £40,000 if they repeatedly or continue to breach the rules or commit a serious offence.

Chief Executive of Generation Rent, Ben Twomey said: “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 renters staring down the barrel of poverty and homelessness. For decades, Section 21 evictions have forced renters to live in fear of being turfed out of our homes, preventing us from raising valid concerns with our landlords. At last we know when this outdated and unfair law will be sent packing.

“This Renters’ Rights Act is the result of years of tireless campaigning from the renter movement, alongside the dedication and strength of ordinary renters. With change on the horizon, I hope that renters across England can rest a little easier tonight in recognition of what we have achieved together.”