Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins has said more than 15,000 local renters will benefit from “historic” changes, as the government has begun rolling out its long-promised overhaul of the private rented sector.
The reforms, introduced through the Renters’ Rights Act, have been described as a significant shift in favour of tenants, with measures designed to improve security and standards in rented homes. The first phase came into force on May 1, with further changes due later this year.
A key part of the new law – the abolition of so-called “no fault” evictions under Section 21 – has already taken effect. This means landlords can no longer evict tenants without providing a valid reason, a move campaigners have long argued was needed to give renters greater stability.
Ms Hopkins wrote in a blog on her website that the reforms would help “rebalance the relationship between tenants and landlords”, offering people more security in their homes while still allowing landlords to take back properties where there is a legitimate reason.
The MP also wrote: “Too many renters in Luton South and South Bedfordshire have been living with the fear of losing their home or the uncertainty that came with a lack of protection against rent increases, discrimination, and extortionate charges.
“I warmly welcome these historic reforms which will make a real difference to people locally – giving renters the security they deserve, protecting them from unfair practices, and helping families put down roots in our communities.
“This is the biggest upgrade to renters’ rights in a generation and I’m incredibly proud to support this Labour Government in delivering it.”
Further measures are still to come later this year, including the introduction of a new private rented sector database and the application of the Decent Homes Standard to privately rented properties. These are intended to improve transparency and ensure minimum standards are met across the sector.
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