New Rent Rules for Tenants Face Delays, Landlords Worry About Costs

New laws to protect renters in the UK are coming, but some parts will take time. This means people in bad homes might not get help right away. Landlords are concerned about the new rules and may increase rent.
By Newsroom | Housing, United Kingdom |

Stakes are high for renters in the United Kingdom as the implementation of new renters' rights legislation faces a drawn-out timeline, leaving many in substandard housing without immediate recourse. Proposed reforms, aimed at curbing exploitative landlord practices, particularly concerning mouldy and unsafe homes, are met with apprehension from landlords who warn of potential rent increases. The delay in full implementation means that while some measures are expected next summer, a significant overhaul, including the ban on "no-fault" evictions, is now slated for May 2026. This extended period raises questions about the immediate relief for tenants living in dire conditions, with past experiences suggesting landlords may feel emboldened to continue such practices, believing they can evade stricter regulations.

‘My landlord knew he would get away with it’: Renters react to Labour’s decade delay on mouldy home crackdown - 1

Context: A Long Road to Reform

The journey toward enhanced renters' rights in England has been marked by legislative proposals and public outcry, fueled by distressing accounts of living conditions.

Read More: Government Looks at Charities to Fund Homes and Fix Old Projects

‘My landlord knew he would get away with it’: Renters react to Labour’s decade delay on mouldy home crackdown - 2

  • Key Legislative Push: The Labour Party has pledged significant changes to the private rented sector. Central to these reforms is the abolition of Section 21 "no-fault" evictions, a measure allowing landlords to end tenancies without providing a reason, which has often been used to retaliate against tenants raising complaints.

  • Addressing Unsafe Housing: A critical component of the proposed legislation is the extension of Awaab's Law. Named after a young child who died from mould-related illnesses, this law mandates that social landlords address serious dangers in homes, such as damp and mould, within strict timeframes. The proposed reforms aim to extend similar obligations to private landlords.

  • Timeline Uncertainty: While some aspects of the reforms are anticipated to take effect next summer, the complete ban on Section 21 evictions is now targeted for May 2026. This phased approach has led to concerns about the immediate impact on tenants currently facing poor living conditions.

  • Landlord Responses: The National Residential Landlords Association has indicated that landlords may respond to the new regulations, particularly the ability for tenants to end leases with two months' notice, by increasing rents in certain areas.

Tenant Experiences: Living in Substandard Conditions

Stories from renters highlight the severe impact of inadequate housing conditions and the challenges in seeking timely resolutions.

Read More: Labour Group Accused of Hiring Firm to Investigate Reporters

‘My landlord knew he would get away with it’: Renters react to Labour’s decade delay on mouldy home crackdown - 3

  • Mould and Damp: Numerous accounts detail the prevalence of mould and damp in rental properties. For some, like Caroline and Kyle, the issue of mould in their London bungalow worsened over time, leading to lease renewal complications.

  • Fear of Retaliation: Tenants express apprehension about complaining about poor conditions due to fear of eviction. The Renters' Rights Act aims to address this by prohibiting landlords from evicting tenants for raising concerns.

  • Financial Strain: The combination of high rents and poor living conditions creates a significant financial burden on renters. Some tenants have felt compelled to offer several months' rent in advance to secure a property, driven by high demand.

Landlord Perspectives: Concerns and Potential Consequences

The proposed reforms have elicited a range of reactions from landlords, with many voicing concerns about the financial implications.

Read More: Many People in Perth Can't Afford Homes Anymore

‘My landlord knew he would get away with it’: Renters react to Labour’s decade delay on mouldy home crackdown - 4

  • Rent Increases: Landlords have warned that they may need to raise rents in response to the new regulations, particularly to offset potential changes in tenancy agreements and the costs associated with property maintenance.

  • Market Adjustments: Some landlords are considering exiting the private rental market altogether, which could lead to a reduction in available rental properties.

  • Differing Views: While many landlords express concerns, some, like Steven, express sympathy for renters and acknowledge the potential for fewer available homes. However, he is also considering selling his properties.

Awaab's Law: A Catalyst for Change in Social Housing

Awaab's Law represents a significant development in holding social landlords accountable for hazardous living conditions.

  • Mandatory Action: Social landlords are now legally required to investigate and fix serious dangers, such as damp and mould, within specific deadlines, often within 24 hours of a report.

  • Rent Repayment Orders: Schemes that utilize Rent Repayment Orders can target landlords who fail to maintain properties, operate without necessary licenses, or ignore improvement notices. These orders can force landlords to repay rent to tenants.

  • Expansion of Schemes: Crackdowns on landlords renting out unsafe and mouldy homes are being expanded, with pilot schemes demonstrating their potential effectiveness in London.

The Abolition of No-Fault Evictions: A Long-Awaited Change

The proposed ban on Section 21 evictions is a cornerstone of the renters' rights reform, aiming to provide greater security for tenants.

Read More: UK and Allies Say Russia Killed Navalny

  • Ending Retaliatory Evictions: The abolition aims to prevent landlords from ending tenancies without giving a reason, a practice that has been frequently used to remove tenants who have raised legitimate concerns about their living conditions.

  • Tenant Security: This change is intended to give tenants more confidence to report issues and live in their homes without the constant threat of arbitrary eviction.

  • Exceptions Remain: Tenants will still be liable for eviction if they fail to pay rent, cause significant damage, or engage in anti-social behaviour. Landlords will also retain the right to evict if they intend to sell the property or move in themselves.

Expert Analysis and Advocacy

Tenant advocacy groups and housing experts offer critical perspectives on the pace and scope of the reforms.

  • "Implausible Warnings": Dan Wilson Craw, deputy chief executive of Generation Rent, has dismissed landlord warnings about rent rises and market exits as "completely implausible," suggesting that short-term lets would be a more straightforward alternative for landlords seeking rapid turnover.

  • Historical Context: Historically, the Labour Party has had a more confrontational stance towards landlords, with past policies advocating for landlord abolition. While current policy appears more moderate, the historical emphasis often leaned towards tenant rights.

  • Pressure for Radical Change: Some critics argue that Labour needs to adopt a more radical approach to private renting reforms, fearing that landlords will find loopholes to circumvent new regulations, even with the confirmed abolition of no-fault evictions.

Conclusion: Navigating the Path to Fairer Rented Housing

The Labour Party's proposed renters' rights reforms signal a significant shift in the UK's private rental sector, aiming to address long-standing issues of poor living conditions and tenant insecurity. However, the extended timeline for implementing key provisions, particularly the ban on no-fault evictions, raises concerns about the immediate relief available to tenants currently enduring substandard housing. While Awaab's Law offers a more immediate pathway for accountability in social housing, the broader impact on private renters hinges on the timely and effective enforcement of the new regulations. Landlord responses, including potential rent increases and market exits, add a layer of complexity, underscoring the delicate balance required to achieve a fairer rental market. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these reforms fully deliver on their promise of improved conditions and greater security for renters across England.

Sources Used

Read More: More Homes Have Extra Living Spaces for People

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the new renter laws start?
Some new rules will start next summer. But the end of 'no-fault' evictions is planned for May 2026.
Q: Why are landlords worried?
Landlords are worried the new rules will cost them more money. They think they might have to raise rents for tenants.
Q: What is Awaab's Law?
Awaab's Law means social landlords must fix serious problems like mould quickly. The new plans want to make private landlords do this too.
Q: Will tenants still be evicted?
Yes, tenants can still be evicted if they don't pay rent or damage the home. Landlords can also evict if they want to sell the home or move in themselves.