Local authorities are to receive an additional £41m to enforce new powers under the Renters’ Rights Act.
From 1st May, around 11 million private renters will gain stronger legal protections, including the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.
The government said the changes represent the most significant overhaul of the private rented sector in a generation, shifting the balance of power between tenants and landlords.
A total of £60m will be shared between 317 local authorities across England. This includes £41.12m in new funding, on top of £18.2m already allocated last autumn. Councils will also receive training to support their expanded enforcement role.
Under the new rules, councils will be legally required to clamp down on practices such as rental bidding wars, discrimination against families with children or tenants on benefits, and unlawful evictions.
Landlords who repeatedly break the rules could face fines of up to £40,000, up from the previous maximum of £30,000.
Tenants will also gain stronger rights to reclaim money. Rent repayment orders will double from one year’s rent to two, while claims can be backdated for up to two years.
To support the changes, up to £50m will be invested in modernising civil courts and a further £5m per year will be directed to housing legal aid.
The reforms build on investigatory powers introduced in December that allow councils to enter properties without prior notice and accessing financial information from third parties.
‘It’s less than a month until the Renters’ Rights Act begins to transform our private rented sector – a huge manifesto commitment,’ Housing Secretary Steve Reed said. ‘We’ve been preparing councils to use their new powers on the minority of landlords who rip off their tenants and this new funding will help councils carry out their duties.
‘Stronger powers and fines will help deter wrongdoing in the first place, as we work towards a better rental system that’s fairer to tenants and good landlords.’
Image: Openverse
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