Margaret Mullane MP has given a massive welcome to the implementation of the law that gives greater security and stability for the almost 8,000 families across her Dagenham and Rainham constituency who rent their homes from private landlords.
From Friday 1 May the Renters Rights Act comes into force giving the biggest improvement in housing rights in a generation. Eleven million households across the nation will benefit from this major change in housing law.
The new Renters’ Rights Act, delivered by the Labour Government, will provide greater security for tenants and reform key aspects of the private rented sector. These include:
• More security: A ban on Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, and a move to open-ended tenancies so they do not end automatically. This gives renters much-needed stability and peace of mind.
• Clampdown on rent increases: Rents can only be increased once a year, and renters can challenge unfair increases used to force them out.
• Fairness for families and pets: Landlords cannot discriminate against renters with children, pets or those receiving benefits. Tenants also have the right to request a pet, which must be considered fairly.
• End to bidding wars: Landlords and agents cannot accept offers above the advertised rent, and advance rent is capped at one month.
These new rights are being backed by £41 million from the Labour Government to councils across England to strengthen enforcement, alongside investment in the courts to uphold renters’ rights.
In London, this is supported by funding to help boroughs train enforcement officers and ensure tenants know their rights, so rogue landlords are held to account.
Margaret said “For too long, renters in Dagenham and Rainham have been left at the mercy of a broken system, facing unfair evictions, spiralling rents and insecurity in their own homes.
That changes from this week.
The Renters’ Rights Act is what Labour in power delivers, real change that gives people security, stability and control over their lives.
But these rights will only mean something if they are enforced. That is why it matters who runs your council.
Labour councils work hand in hand with a Labour Government to crack down on rogue landlords, support tenants and make sure the law is felt on the ground.
If you want these hard won rights to become a reality here in Dagenham and Rainham you need a Labour council locally to deliver them.”