The Renters’ Rights Act will make a difference to millions of renters

This is the biggest improvement to renters’ rights we’ve seen in nearly 40 years. The Renters’ Rights Act marks a historic turning point for England’s 11 million private renters. At its heart is one of the most significant reforms in housing law: the scrapping of no-fault evictions under Section 21. 

For too long, renters have lived with the constant anxiety that they could be forced out of their homes at short notice and without reason. By abolishing Section 21, the new law gives renters greater security and stability, allowing them to feel confident putting down roots in their communities, building relationships, and planning for the future. 

Alongside the end of Section 21, the Act will also end fixed-term tenancies. This means renters will no longer be trapped in properties that become unsafe, unaffordable, or unsuitable when life circumstances change. It’s a huge step forward for fairness and flexibility in the private rented sector. 

Years of campaigning made this happen 

This moment didn’t come easily. It’s the result of years of tireless campaigning by hundreds of thousands of people across the country working alongside Shelter, and dozens of partner organisations and campaign groups. Since Theresa May first promised to scrap no-fault evictions, we’ve seen five prime ministers and three general elections—but renters never gave up. Thanks to their persistence, the long-awaited Renters’ Rights Act is now law. 

What the new law means in practice 

• Landlords who evict tenants in order to sell their property will not be able to re-let it for 12 months. 

• Evictions will now require legitimate grounds, making it much harder for landlords to act in retaliation when tenants request repairs. 

• Rent repayment orders have been extended, allowing tenants to reclaim rent for a wider range of landlord breaches. 

• Discrimination against renters receiving benefits or with children is now explicitly unlawful. 

• Landlords will no longer be able to block low-income tenants by demanding several months’ rent in advance. 

Stronger enforcement and accountability 

To ensure these new rights are upheld, the government will introduce a Private Rented Sector database to increase transparency and improve the data available to local authorities. Councils will gain new investigatory powers, including the right to enter premises to gather information. Civil penalties have been strengthened, and landlords will no longer have 24 hours’ notice before an inspection—helping to make enforcement more effective. 

A huge win for Shelter and renters everywhere 

Shelter has been fighting for renters’ rights for decades. As far back as 2005, we identified how Section 21 undermined tenants’ ability to settle in their homes. In 2013/14, our campaigns exposed how the threat of retaliatory eviction discouraged renters from reporting dangerous living conditions. In 2018, our End Income Discrimination campaign challenged unfair practices locking low-income renters out of homes. After years of action and advocacy, the government finally listened. 

What’s next? 

The implementation date of the Act is still to be announced, but once it comes into force, landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without giving a reason. Shelter’s advice and legal teams will be fully trained to support renters under the new law, and we’ll continue calling for proper funding for local authorities—because good laws only work when they’re properly enforced. 

Campaigning works! 

This victory proves that campaigning works, but our fight isn’t over. We must keep pushing to make the private rented sector fairer, safer, and more affordable. Join us in demanding more social homes for Liverpool and beyond here. Together, we can make sure everyone has a safe and secure place to call home. 

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