In what Luton MP Rachel Hopkins hailed as a landmark victory for private renters, the government’s new legislation banning “no-fault” evictions has received Royal Assent.
Many renters have long felt vulnerable to sudden eviction, abrupt rent hikes or blanket bans on pets. This new law — officially known as the Renters’ Rights Act — aims to reshape the private rented sector across England, giving tenants far stronger grounds to stay in their homes with dignity and recourse.
The Luton South MP said on her social media pages: “This means that 11 million renters across England will receive greater security and protections as the new law band section 21 no fault evictions, will provide for greater security and standards across the private rented homes, as well as giving renters the right to request to have a pet in their home. This is really great news and labour delivering on his plans for change.”
The law abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions, meaning landlords can no longer evict tenants simply by giving two months’ notice without reason.
Landlords must respond to tenant requests to keep a pet within 28 days, providing reasons if refusing. Blanket bans on pets will no longer automatically hold.
The Act also introduces restrictions on rent rises (higher frequency or above-market rates may be challenged), prohibits letting agents or landlords from inciting bidding wars, and mandates that landlords can’t unreasonably discriminate against tenants receiving benefits or who have children.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Every family deserves the dignity of a safe and secure home.
“For too long, millions of renters have lived at the mercy of rogue landlords or insecure contracts, with their futures hanging in the balance. We’re putting an end to that.
“A secure home isn’t just bricks and mortar – it’s the foundation for opportunity, safety, and a better life. No child should grow up without one.”
Secretary of State Steve Reed said: “Our historic Act marks the biggest leap forward in renters’ rights in a generation. We are finally ending the injustice overseen by previous governments that has left millions living in fear of losing their homes.
“For decades, the scales have been tipped against tenants. Now, we’re levelling the playing field between renters and landlords.
“We are tearing down the walls of injustice in the private rented sector and building a future where tenants are protected, respected and empowered.
“This is an historic moment for renters across the country and we’re proud to deliver it.”
Despite its passage into law, not all its provisions come into force immediately. Many of the new protections are expected to take effect from 2026, after a transitional period for landlords to adapt.
For Luton’s private renters, this is a significant shift in power dynamics. Suddenly, moving out cannot be forced simply by a landlord’s whim. Renters will have greater security to appeal unfair rent hikes or to challenge refusal of pet requests.
However, the details will matter. The transition period before implementation gives landlords time to adjust — but it also gives scope for delays, especially as the new system is rolled out in courts, regulatory bodies, and landlord practices.
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