The council Executive has approved the adoption of updated policies in line with the introduction of the Renters Rights Act (RRA) on 1 May 2026.
The RRA aims to provide tenants with more security, and local authorities with greater investigatory powers. Changes include fixed term tenancies, discrimination in lettings and no-fault evictions (except in defined circumstances) becoming illegal. Fairer rent rules and lower limits on upfront rent payable also come into force.
Landlords will still be able to get their property back for clear reasons – like selling up, moving in, or dealing with rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
The legislation aims to strike a fair balance between renters and landlords, making the system more stable, safer and easier to understand.
Enforcement of current housing standards legislation is carried out by the Housing Standards Team in the council’s Environmental Health and Licensing Service.
A number of other RRA provisions are due to take effect later in 2026 including a new Private Rented Sector Database on which all landlords of assured and regulated tenancies will be required to register themselves and their properties, and a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman to resolve issues between landlords and tenants for free.
Further information on the RRA changes for landlords and tenants at our housing webpages and the government Housing Hub website