UK Passes Renters’ Reform Act Ending Section 21 Evictions

The Renters’ Reform Act, now law in England, is the most significant overhaul of rental regulation in over three decades and affects roughly 20% of households who rent privately (about 11 million tenants). It abolishes no‑fault (section 21) evictions, raises the rent‑arrears threshold for eviction proceedings, replaces fixed‑term tenancies with monthly rolling contracts, and limits rent increases to once a year. The legislation strengthens repair duties — including Awaab’s Law requiring landlords to promptly address serious hazards like damp and mould — and provides stronger protections for tenants who complain about poor living conditions. It also creates a Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman, a landlord compliance database, and bans discriminatory practices and rental bidding wars. Ministers and analysts warn that higher compliance costs and tighter rules could prompt some landlords to exit the market, reducing supply and potentially pushing up rents; implementation will roll out gradually with some provisions effective by December 2025.