What is the Renters’ Rights Act?
After years of a range of organisations calling for changes to be made to the private rented sector to better protect tenants, including Centrepoint, the Renters’ Rights Act has finally become law, which is a major milestone for England’s private renters. For far too long, young people have faced a private rental system that is often stacked against them. This landmark legislation promises to tackle long-standing problems in the rental market and create a fairer, more secure system for young tenants. Once the new law comes into effect (expected in 2026) renters across England will see some of the most significant changes in a generation.
What changes can we expect to see?
- The Renters’ Rights Act will abolition Section 21 evictions (otherwise known as ‘no-fault evictions’). In practice, this means landlords can no longer ask tenants to leave without a valid reason.
- The Act is designed to tackle discriminatory practices in the rental sector, which should prevent landlords from refusing tenants based on them being in receipt of benefits or having children.
- Once the Act is in effect, fixed-term contracts will be replaced with open-ended ‘periodic’ tenancies which means renters may be able to put down more roots and have greater security.
- There are proposals on the limits of how much upfront rent can be paid at the beginning of the tenancy, which could increase young renters access to the private rental market.
- The creation of a national register of private landlords.
Section 21 evictions only gave tenants two months to leave their properties, and did not require the provision of a valid reason. These ‘no-fault evictions’ have impacted thousands of renters. For example, between July 2024 to June 2025, statistics showed that in England 11,402 households were evicted after receiving Section 21 notice.
These changes are desperately needed. Centrepoint’s recent ‘Move On’ report highlights just how difficult it is for young people to find secure and affordable housing in today’s private rental market. Financial hurdles at the very start of a tenancy also prevent many young people from moving on. In a 2023 survey commissioned by Centrepoint, an overwhelming 84% of respondents said that being asked to provide a guarantor or pay rent upfront were extreme barriers to accessing private rented accommodation. For young people without family support or savings, these demands can make renting and living independently feel impossible.
This is where the Renters’ Rights Act could make a real difference.
The capping of advance rent requests has the potential to ease one of the biggest financial pressures young renters faces. Combined with broader reforms to improve security and fairness, these changes could help open the door to the private rented sector for young people who are currently locked out by high costs and upfront demands.
The Renters’ Rights Act is a landmark step towards a fairer, more secure private rented sector one that recognises housing as a foundation, not a privilege. For millions of renters, and especially young people trying to access housing security and build independent lives, these reforms promise greater protection, stability, and dignity in their homes.
But laws alone aren’t enough. The success of this Act will depend on how it’s implemented. The government must ensure that every young person, regardless of background or income, can truly benefit from its protections. That means clear information, so landlords understand their obligations and tenants understand their right, alongside strong enforcement for those who don’t implement the changes required by the Act.
At Centrepoint, we know that secure, affordable housing is the cornerstone of young people’s lives and opportunities. The Renters’ Rights Act is a step in the right direction to a society where young people can find not just a place to stay, but a place to thrive.