New funding will support the enforcement of major changes in renters’ rights.
Councillor Lynn Denham, leader of Worcester City Council, has welcomed £70,746 of Government funding to help the authority enforce the new Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into force on Friday, May 1.
The legislation introduces a ban on ‘no fault’ evictions and rental bidding, and prohibits landlords from discriminating against tenants who receive benefits or have children.
It also limits rent increases to once a year, with a minimum of two months’ notice, and prevents landlords from demanding more than one month’s rent upfront.
Councillor Denham said: “The Renters’ Rights Act marks a major change to private renting across the country, giving tenants protection from unlawful eviction, early rent rises, being outbid on a property and many other bad practices.
“The City Council has a vital role to play in making the Act work, so this new funding is very welcome.
“It means we can have more housing officers in place to advise and support both renters and landlords to understand the new rights that tenants now have.
“It will also assist us in taking enforcement action against landlords who break the rules.”
Leader of Worcester City Council, Lynn Denham (Image: Worcester City Council)
The Act is being implemented in three phases.
The first phase, in force from Friday, May 1, includes the ban on ‘no fault’ evictions and rental bidding, along with new rules on rent increases and upfront payments.
Landlords are also prohibited from refusing tenancies based on protected characteristics under the Equality Act.
Councillor Denham said the changes represent “a major change to private renting across the country.”
The second phase, planned for late 2026, will introduce a new ombudsman and a private rented sector database to improve dispute resolution and data quality for enforcement.
The final phase will extend Awaab’s Law to require private landlords to address severe damp, mould and emergency hazards. Awaab’s Law already applies to social landlords.
The Government is currently consulting on the timescale for this final stage.
More information on the Renters’ Rights Act is available on the Government website at www.gov.uk/guidance/renters-rights-act-overview-for-tenants.
