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Tenants Face Rent Rises and Evictions Before New Law
20 Apr
Summary
- Three in 10 tenants had rents increased since November.
- Over 10% of tenants received eviction notices recently.
- New renter rights law takes effect on May 1.
New legislation in England, the Renters' Rights Act, is set to significantly bolster tenant protections starting May 1. This act will prohibit landlords from evicting tenants without valid reasons and eliminate fixed-term tenancies, allowing renters to leave with two months' notice. Tenants will also gain stronger rights to challenge poor living conditions and unfair rent increases without fear of retribution.
Ahead of these reforms, a survey indicates that three in 10 tenants in England have seen their rent rise since November. Furthermore, 11% of tenants nationwide, and 12% in London, have received eviction notices in the six months since the Act received Royal Assent. Some landlords are reportedly selling properties or increasing rents before the new rules take effect.
Experts suggest the Renters' Rights Act will create a fairer rental market by addressing power imbalances. It will end bidding wars and limit upfront rent demands. However, there are concerns that some landlords might leave the market, potentially reducing rental property supply, with one study predicting the disappearance of up to 220,000 homes this year.
