The Prime Minister has defended the government’s rental reform agenda while acknowledging the role of responsible landlords. “The vast majority of landlords are respectable and reasonable,” he said.

Despite the conciliatory tone, Starmer confirmed that the first phase of the Renters Rights Act will go ahead as planned, with implementation set for 1 May 2026.

Starmer was interviewed by the Big Issue and said: “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.

“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.”

In early 2025, John Bird—founder of the Big Issue and a crossbench peer—urged the government to scrap Section 21 eviction powers “as soon as legislatively possible.” His call added pressure on ministers to accelerate reforms aimed at strengthening tenant protections.

The crossbench peer and Big Issue founder John Bird publicly called on the government to abolish Section 21 eviction powers “as soon as legislatively possible.” His intervention intensified demands for urgent reform, adding momentum to efforts to bolster legal protections for renters.

Upon hearing of the news Lord Bird said: “Six years, four prime ministers and a change of government later, we’re finally seeing Westminster’s promise to strengthen rental rights come good. I thank the government for staying true to their word and not letting this final hurdle – the delay between royal assent and implementation – drag out the wait even further.”