The Renters’ Rights Act is a political victory and a disaster for tenants
5 months ago | 28 comments
Keir Starmer: Renters’ Rights Act will give more power to tenants
9:43 AM, 17th November 2025, 5 months ago
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The Prime Minister claims the Renters’ Rights Act will “put more power into the hands of renters who have had to stand for unfair behaviour for too long.”
Writing in the Big Issue, Sir Keir Starmer, says the “vast majority of landlords provide a respectable and reasonable service” but claims the system needs to be rebalanced.
The news comes after the government announced the Renters’ Rights Act will come into force on 1 May 2026.
Vast majority of landlords are respectable and reasonable, treating their tenants well
Mr Starmer writes in The Big Issue: “Eleven million people in England are renters. And of course, the vast majority of landlords are respectable and reasonable, treating their tenants well and providing an important service.
“But it’s about time that we rebalanced the system to give renters more rights and more power in their homes. That’s exactly what this Act does.”
He adds: “Homes aren’t just about bricks and mortar. They’re a foundation for families to build a life. They represent stability for young children who know that they have a safe home to go to after school. For young professionals who’ve just got a new job in the area. For people trying to save for the future.
“This generational uplift in renters’ rights is about putting more power into the hands of people who have had to stand for unfair behaviour for too long. By giving renters the rights, security and protections they deserve, we’ll be able to prevent homelessness, put an end to unsafe housing and make sure people can live with dignity and without fear for the future.”
Property118 commercial reality check
Landlords are again portrayed as the system’s pressure valve. The reality is different. Most provide stable homes, carry the financial risk and keep local rental markets functioning. Policy shifts come and go, yet disciplined landlords continue to set their own direction.
What landlords should do next
Document and audit readiness. Present your professionalism clearly. A well-organised paper trail reinforces that responsible landlords already meet standards long before legislation demands it.
Model the regulatory impact. Quantify how the Renters’ Rights Act rules intersect with your rents, costs and gearing. Accurate modelling protects your margins and stops external noise from dictating your strategy.
Structural planning. Review company structures, liabilities and lending terms. A planned structure absorbs policy change instead of being disrupted by it.
Portfolio performance calibration. Assess each property’s yield, maintenance trajectory and long-term fit. Treat it as a commercial tune-up that strengthens the portfolio you intend to keep.
Advantage through professionalism
Regulation may move, yet professional landlords remain stable through structure, preparation and accurate numbers.
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Member Since February 2016 - Comments: 977 - Articles: 1
9:49 PM, 17th November 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Frank William Milligan URQUHART at 17/11/2025 – 19:07
Indeed. However we must remember that it was the CONservative government who started that idiocy.
I read today on LinkedIn that even there people predict the rise of rogue Landlords.
Member Since October 2024 - Comments: 15
11:16 PM, 17th November 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Whiteskifreak Surrey at 17/11/2025 – 21:49
Really? So by your post you are suggesting Labour are incapable of doing anything by themselves but strengthen bad Conservative policies? I got it, and now understand. I realised they were incompetent, just not that incompetent.
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 200
12:10 AM, 18th November 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 17/11/2025 – 11:19
Absolutely right, Section 21 does not cause homelessness. In fact, it often PREVENTS homelessness by avoiding the need to apportion blame for the tenant being evicted by the landlord. They have been lying and gaslighting the public about this for so long in order to carry out a hatchet job on the PRS, the very people who actually house more tenants than anyone else.
Just wait till the pressure groups realise that no-fault evictions are alive and well and continuing under section 8, and that many of those who were spared from being homeless by landlords using section 21 will now be homeless. Then they will start demanding that landlords be banned from repossessing the property for any reason until the tenant decides to leave. And then wonder why nobody is willing to participate in such a game of musical chairs.
I can see the day when landlords deliberately default on mortgages in order to force lenders to evict tenants and repossess and sell properties that landlords would otherwise be forced to continue renting ad infinitum.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1996 - Articles: 21
10:22 AM, 18th November 2025, About 5 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Peter Merrick at 00:10
Peter, it is not quite as dire as that. Evictions will be for “fault” and with more judgments being entered against defaulting tenants, the courts will provide an improved rogue tenants’ register so that landlords can avoid the indigent and the irresponsible.
It is tough for decent tenants. Unfortunately, it will get tougher with rents rising and landlords being much more choosy.
Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 71
10:31 AM, 18th November 2025, About 5 months ago
What are the professional measurement criteria for success of these changes and who is responsible.
The law aims to drive bad landlords out, but how do.they know they are targeting bad landlords and who then provides the homes? The high market rents are due to lack of homes and removing even a small number makes matters worse?
If this is another example of agenda following like BBC journalism, it needs to be evidentially monitored and accountability put where it’s due
Member Since August 2015 - Comments: 6
5:45 PM, 21st November 2025, About 5 months ago
Tenants should be careful for what they wished for. Banning section 21, which lets face it is used to get rid of a non paying tenant or antisocial tenant quickly without going through the rigmarole of the courts (yes, there are dodgy landlords too, but I’ll wager a minority). Now, every tenant will be served a section 8 and probably CCJ. That will flag up on a search and hey presto not offered a property.
Member Since January 2023 - Comments: 22
11:02 AM, 22nd November 2025, About 5 months ago
NOBODY WILL BE IN ADVANTAGE…APART FROM BLACK ROCK AND SOME CORPORATIONS
https://youtu.be/4-GYam0fHLQ?si=q_7E8LI1GEJdr3TT