New rules for people who rent their homes - how could they affect you?
- Published
A new law has come into effect today which hopes to do more to protect people who rent their homes.
The Renters' Rights Act has been described as some of the biggest changes to renting laws in more than 30 years.
The government hopes it will give people who rent more stability, security and reduce the risk of homelessness.
But people who rent out properties - called landlords - are worried the changes could negatively impact them.
What is renting? How will this new law affect you? Keep reading to find out...
Record number of children affected by homelessness in the UK
- Published16 May 2024
What is renting?
Renting is when a person pays someone else to live in their property.
The person who owns the property is called a landlord, and the person who lives in the home is called a renter or a tenant.
The tenant usually pays the landlord monthly, and in return the landlord will keep the house or flat safe and suitable to live in.
Previously, landlords often had more power than renters because they could choose who lives in their property, how much it will cost and if they want them to leave.
It's hoped the new law will to give renters more rights and give more balance to the relationship.
Watch our Newsround special programme about homelessness and children who live in rented or temporary accommodation (made in 2024)
Recap of the words you need to know
Landlord - Someone who rents out their property or land to someone else
Tenant/renter - Someone who pays a landlord to live in their property
Rent - The money you pay to live in someone else's property
Evict/eviction - When a landlord forcibly moves someone out of where they live
No-fault eviction - When a landlord asks a person or family to move out of their house or flat, without giving a reason - even if the tenant is paying their rent on time and is otherwise treating the house well
Tenancy - A legal arrangement that says a person can live in a property owned by another person
Let's take a look at the changes that have come into force...
1. Children and pets allowed
Up until now, landlords didn't have to let pets or families with children live in their properties.
However, the new law means that renters can ask to live with a pet and the landlord has to consider the request.
It also makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate against people with children.
The government hopes this change will mean everyone is treated fairly when looking for a place to live.
2. People can't be asked to leave for no reason
One of the biggest changes is the ban on what's called no-fault evictions.
That's when a landlord asks a person or family to move out of their house or flat, without giving a reason.
Even if the tenant is paying their rent on time and is otherwise treating the house well.
This is why it's often called a no-fault eviction.
The new rules means landlords can no longer do that.
However, renters could still be told to leave if the landlord wants to move back in or sell the property, if they haven't paid the rent or if there's anti-social behaviour.
3. Rents can only go up once a year
Landlords will now only be able to increase the amount of money the renter has to pay to live in the home once each year.
If they want to increase it, they will need to give the renter two months notice and it must match the price of other properties that are the same size and standard in the area.
This is called the market rate.
4. No more fixed-term tenancies
Previously landlords could ask tenants to sign for fixed-term tenancies.
These are contracts which would mean tenants had to stay in the property for a certain amount of time for example 12 or 24 months.
Under the new rules these types of contracts are banned.
Properties now have to be rented on a periodic or rolling basis which the government says will give renters more security.
Do the new rules affect the whole of the UK?
No. These new rules only affect people who are living in England.
In Northern Ireland and Wales no-fault evictions are still allowed, but Scotland already banned them in 2017.
Scotland has also had periodic agreements for tenancies since 2017, but Wales and Northern Ireland still allow fixed-term contracts.
What have people said about the changes?
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, said the new rules "means no more families living with the fear of having the roof over their heads ripped away for no good reason, and too often, being pushed to the brink of homelessness.
"We're calling time on rogue landlords and giving tenants the security and dignity of a home they can count on.
"As a result, families can put down roots and a child knows which school they'll be at next year."
The Conservatives said the Renters' Rights Act "was legislation that the Conservatives put forward in the last Parliament" but added that "Labour's version does not seek to strike an appropriate balance with landlords."
The Liberal Democrats are pleased with the changes. They said: "We've long called for an end to no‑fault evictions. We're glad this has now been delivered, and we'll keep pushing to make renting fairer."
They also said that the rental market should offer "security, not stress… everyone has the right to a safe, warm and affordable home".
But the Green Party is disappointed that the new rules don't include measures allowing local authorities to control rent costs if prices become unaffordable for lots of people.
A spokesperson said: "Greens are hugely disappointed that this Labour government refuses to devolve powers for rent controls."
Reform UK say the new rules are "already driving landlords to sell up in droves, slashing rental supply and pushing up rental prices."
