Major Changes Loom for Tenants: Abolishing No-Fault Evictions, New Standards, and More

Abolishing Section 21 “No-Fault” Evictions

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One of the most significant proposed reforms is the abolition of Section 21 evictions—often called “no-fault” evictions. Under current rules, landlords can remove tenants without providing any reason, leaving renters in a state of uncertainty and insecurity.

By ending Section 21, the government aims to give tenants greater housing stability. Without the constant fear of being evicted at short notice, tenants will feel more confident about challenging unfair practices, including issues related to disrepair. To balance landlords’ needs, new grounds for eviction will be introduced, such as when the landlord intends to sell the property, or requires it for themselves or a family member. Importantly, tenants will be safeguarded from these grounds being used in the first 12 months of their tenancy. Additionally, the new structure will simplify the tenancy system, ensuring that all assured tenancies operate on a periodic basis, offering better protections to tenants against unjust evictions early in their tenancy.

Introducing the Decent Homes Standard

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The Decent Homes Standard, already in place for public housing, will be extended to the private rented sector. This is a pivotal move designed to ensure all rented homes are safe, habitable, and well-maintained. Landlords will be required to meet minimum safety and maintenance benchmarks, addressing long-standing issues such as damp, mould, and structural hazards.

Non-compliance with these standards could result in severe penalties, including fines of up to £7,000 and the potential for prosecution. By upholding these standards, the aim is to protect tenants from substandard living conditions—an area in which our team at Housing Disrepair Experts specialises, supporting tenants seeking to enforce their housing rights.

Controls on Rent Increases and Banning Bidding Wars

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Proposed changes aim to rein in excessive rent increases. Under the new framework, landlords may only raise rents once per year, and any increase must reflect local market conditions. This helps prevent sudden, steep hikes in rent that can effectively force tenants out.

To further stabilise the market, so-called “bidding wars” will be banned. Landlords and letting agents would be required to list properties at a set price, without inviting or accepting higher offers. This step seeks to create a fairer, more transparent environment for tenants, ensuring they are not priced out of suitable housing during a widespread rental shortage.

Extension of Awaab’s Law to Private Rentals

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Awaab’s Law, introduced following a tragic case involving the death of a toddler caused by exposure to mould, is set to extend from the social to the private rented sector. This law obliges landlords to address serious health and safety issues—such as mould and damp—within strict legal timeframes. By extending these protections, the government aims to stamp out dangerous living conditions and safeguard tenants’ health and wellbeing in private rentals.

Ending Discrimination Against Tenants on Benefits or With Children

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Another key goal of the proposed legislation is to tackle discrimination in the rental market. Landlords would be prohibited from imposing blanket bans on tenants simply because they receive benefits or have children. This promotes a fairer, more inclusive rental landscape, ensuring that everyone, regardless of circumstance, can access decent housing.

Private Rented Sector Database

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A new Private Rented Sector database is proposed to help tenants verify whether a landlord meets current legal standards. By highlighting compliant landlords, it also enables local authorities to target enforcement more efficiently. This transparency benefits tenants, making it easier to identify responsible landlords and to hold bad actors accountable.

The Right to Request a Pet

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Tenants will gain the right to request permission for keeping a pet. While landlords cannot refuse unreasonably, they may require tenants to have pet insurance to cover any potential damages. This change recognises the importance of pets to tenants’ lives and seeks a fair compromise that respects both tenant and landlord interests.

Strengthening Local Council Powers

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Local councils are set to receive enhanced investigatory and enforcement powers. This could include the ability to issue fines, commence legal proceedings, and generally hold landlords accountable for failing to meet their obligations. This measure aims to protect tenants from exploitation and ensure that landlords respect tenants’ rights and welfare.

Introducing a Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman

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The creation of an Ombudsman dedicated to the private rented sector will give tenants a simpler, more accessible pathway for resolving disputes outside of the courts. This independent service could handle a wide range of issues, from unfair evictions to poor property conditions, ensuring tenants have a fair hearing.

Conclusion

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These proposed changes to rental legislation are at a preliminary stage, with the first reading in the Commons only recently completed. Amendments are likely, and it may be a long journey before the bill becomes law. However, the direction is clear: the government seeks to create a fairer, safer, and more stable renting environment for tenants—especially those facing disrepair and inadequate living conditions. At Housing Disrepair Experts, we closely monitor these developments to support tenants in understanding their rights and securing the safe, suitable homes they deserve.

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