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By SheldonDavidsonSolicitors
The Renters (Reform) Bill is one of the most significant shake-ups in housing law in decades—aimed at improving security, safety, and fairness for millions of private renters in England. First introduced in 2023, this Bill promises sweeping changes to the way rental properties are managed, tenancies are ended, and disputes are handled.
The Bill is part of the government’s wider commitment to creating a “fairer private rented sector.” It puts tenant rights at the forefront and seeks to rebalance the power between landlords and renters. As we move through 2026, many of its key reforms are expected to come into effect.
Whether you're facing poor living conditions, repeated delays with repairs, or worried about eviction—the Renters Reform Bill could have a major impact on your rights and protections as a tenant.
Here’s what you need to know.
The Bill introduces a range of reforms designed to make renting fairer, safer, and more secure. Below are the key areas of change:
Currently, landlords can evict tenants with just two months’ notice using Section 21, without needing to give a reason. This will be scrapped under the new law.
What it means for tenants: You’ll no longer be forced to leave your home without good reason. Landlords will need to provide a legitimate, legally defined reason for eviction.
Landlords will still be able to evict tenants, but only under specific circumstances—such as serious rent arrears or antisocial behaviour. These grounds are being clarified and strengthened.
For tenants: This change ensures that eviction is only possible for genuine reasons and not used as retaliation for complaints or repair requests.
Fixed-term tenancies will be replaced with rolling periodic tenancies, meaning renters can give notice to leave at any time, after an initial minimum period.
Tenant benefit: Greater flexibility to leave unsafe or unsuitable housing without being locked into a fixed term.
A new Private Renters’ Ombudsman will handle tenant complaints more efficiently, and all landlords must register their properties on a new Digital Property Portal.
Why this matters: It improves landlord accountability and gives tenants easier access to dispute resolution—especially when issues like disrepair go unresolved.
The Bill will tighten enforcement of existing laws requiring landlords to ensure homes are safe, healthy, and free from serious disrepair.
Tenants can expect: Quicker enforcement of repair obligations, and stronger penalties for landlords who ignore their responsibilities.
Landlords will only be allowed to raise rent once per year, and tenants will be able to challenge unreasonable increases through the First-tier Tribunal.
While parts of the Bill are expected to come into force in phases, 2026 is set to be a pivotal year for implementation. Here's what tenants should be watching for:
These changes are intended to create a more stable and predictable environment for renters, particularly for those living with long-term issues like housing disrepair.
If you’re living with damp, mould, faulty heating, structural issues, leaks, or any other form of disrepair, your landlord is already under legal duty to put things right. You do not need to wait for the Renters Reform Bill to come into force to take action.
At SDS Solicitors, we help tenants across England hold landlords accountable through housing disrepair claims. These claims can force repairs to be carried out and may also result in compensation for any health problems, stress, or financial losses caused by poor living conditions.
With upcoming changes under the Renters Reform Bill, landlords who continue to neglect their obligations will face even greater scrutiny and consequences. But you can act now to protect your health, your rights, and your home.
Our dedicated team of housing disrepair solicitors will assess your situation and advise you on the best course of action—whether your landlord has failed to carry out repairs, ignored complaints, or tried to pressure you with eviction.
At SDS Solicitors, we offer:
With the Renters Reform Bill reshaping the legal landscape, there’s never been a better time to take control of your rights as a tenant.
Don’t wait until the law changes to get the help you need. If your landlord has failed to carry out repairs or you're worried about your tenancy, contact SDS Solicitors today.
We’ll help you understand your rights, explore your legal options, and fight to get your home repaired and your voice heard.
Call us now or use our online form to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation.
