Government confirms no new tenant protections before Renters’ Rights Act

The government has confirmed no further protections for tenants will come in before 1 May 2026.

In answer to a written question, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook says tenants at risk of eviction before the Renters’ Rights Act comes into effect should seek advice from housing charity Shelter.

The Act will abolish Section 21 evictions and convert all fixed-term tenancies into periodic tenancies.

Government has no plans to introduce additional protections before 1 May 2026

Labour MP Ben Coleman asked the government whether the government plans: “To take steps to protect tenants who will be served a Section 21 notice prior to the provisions of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into effect in May 2026.”

In response, Mr Pennycook confirmed the government has no plans to introduce additional protections before the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force in May next year.

Mr Pennycook said: “The Renters’ Rights Act delivers the government’s manifesto commitment to overhaul the regulation of the private rented sector, including by abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. We want to see tenants benefit from these reforms as quickly as possible.

“From 1 May 2026, the new tenancy system provided for by the Act will apply to all private tenancies, existing tenancies will become periodic, and any new tenancies will be governed by the new rules. We will work closely with tenant groups and the landlord and lettings sector to ensure a smooth implementation.

“The government has no plans to introduce additional protections before 1 May 2026. Tenants at risk of eviction can seek advice from specialist providers such as Shelter and Citizens Advice.”

He adds: “£644.17 million in funding through the Homelessness Prevention Grant has been made available to local authorities in 2025/26 to support them in delivering services to prevent and respond to homelessness. This includes an uplift of £203.8 million compared to 2024 to 2025.”