The Renters’ Rights Bill was introduced to Parliament on September 11, 2024, gaining Royal Assent on October 27, 2026. It will have an impact on private renting in Dartford.
The Act is intended to overhaul regulation of the private rented sector. It aims to improve the current system for private renters’ landlords in England. It also aims to give greater stability to renters so they can stay in their homes for longer, build lives in their communities and avoid the risk of homelessness.
It will introduce the following measures in stages including :
- Abolish section 21 evictions (with effect from May 1, 2026)
- Ensure possession grounds are fair to both parties
- Provide stronger protections against backdoor eviction
- Introduce a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman
- Create a nationally delivered Private Rented Sector database
- Give tenants strengthened rights to request a pet in the property
- Apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector
- Apply ‘Awaab’s Law’ dealing with damp, mould and condensation in homes in the private rented sector
- Make it illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children
- End the practice of rental bidding by prohibiting landlords and agents from asking for or accepting offers above the advertised rent
- Prevent landlord and agents from asking for more than a month rent in advance
- Strengthen the local authority enforcement powers
- Strengthen Rent Repayment Orders.
More information can be found here:
- Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act
- Implementing the Renters’ Rights Act 2025: Our roadmap for reforming the private rented sector
- Renting out your property: guidance for landlords and letting agents
- Information for Tenants
If you would like to discuss this further please Contact the Private Sector Housing Team.