For too long, many renters in Exeter have lived with uncertainty about their housing situation. I’ve spoken to constituents who have worried about losing their home with little notice, faced unexpected costs, or felt unable to put down roots in the community because their tenancy was insecure.
That’s why I’m pleased to see the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force, delivering the biggest strengthening of renters’ rights in more than 40 years.
These new protections will benefit renters across the country, including those living in Exeter’s 11,875 private rental homes. They represent a major step towards making renting fairer, safer and more secure.
Key changes to the law
One of the most important changes is the end of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions. This means landlords will no longer be able to ask tenants to leave without providing a valid reason. For many families, this will provide much-needed peace of mind and greater stability, helping people feel more secure in their homes and communities.
The new law also introduces a range of other measures designed to create a fairer private rented sector. Rent increases will be limited to once a year, helping tenants plan their finances with greater confidence. Bidding wars between prospective tenants will be banned, reducing pressure on renters who are already facing high housing costs.
There will also be a cap on large upfront payments, meaning tenants cannot be asked to pay more than one month’s rent in advance, and new protections will help prevent discrimination against people with children or those receiving benefits.
For many animal owners, another welcome change is the right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords will have to consider such requests reasonably, so renters don’t have to choose between their home and their beloved companions.
The reforms also provide greater flexibility for tenants, who will now be able to end their tenancy by giving two months’ notice if their circumstances change.
Tipping the balance in favour of tenants
Taken together, these measures represent a major shift in favour of renters and recognise that a rented property is not just a house or a flat, but someone’s home.
I know that housing remains one of the biggest issues facing many people in Exeter. While there is still more work to do to improve access to affordable, secure housing, these reforms are an important step and will make a real difference to thousands of local people.
I’m proud that the Labour Government is delivering the biggest upgrade to renters’ rights in a generation, and I’ll continue working to ensure that people in Exeter have access to safe, secure and affordable homes.
