The change means private tenants will no longer face the threat of a Section 21 no fault eviction notice. Instead, landlords will be required to give stronger and legally valid reasons if they need to regain possession of their properties.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the new law marks a major shift in the balance of rights across the rented sector. He said: “We are 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 have just passed delivers that. We are 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.”
Ben Twomey, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, welcomed the move as a long awaited correction of a system that has left tenants vulnerable. He said: “This new law is a vital step towards re balancing power between renters and landlords and should be celebrated. For too long, our broken renting system has left people staring down the barrel of poverty and homelessness.
“For decades, Section 21 evictions have forced renters to live in fear of being removed from their homes, discouraging them from raising genuine concerns. At last we know when this outdated and unfair law will be sent packing. This Act is the result of years of campaigning by the renter movement and by ordinary tenants who refused to stay silent.”
Tom Darling, Director of the Renters Reform Coalition, which includes Shelter, Citizens Advice, Generation Rent and ACORN, described the announcement as a landmark moment. He said: “The confirmation that Section 21 will end on 1 May is huge news for England’s twelve million renters. We have fought for this day for so long and having certainty about when the last no fault eviction will be is crucial. The government must now move quickly to implement the full Renters Rights Act, including the Private Rented Sector Database and Awaabs Law.”
Ella Nuttall, Policy and Research Manager at Centrepoint, said the legislation could prevent more young people from being pushed into homelessness. She said: “This path breaking law puts renters and landlords on a fairer footing. For too long, young people have faced a rental system that is stacked against them. The Act promises to create a more secure and fair system for all. Ending homelessness will not be possible without reform of the private rented sector, so this is an important step, but sustained funding and a clear national strategy remain vital.”
