He says: “Every family deserves the dignity of a safe and secure home. For too long, millions of renters have lived at the mercy of rogue landlords or insecure contracts, with their futures hanging in the balance. We’re putting an end to that.
“A secure home isn’t just bricks and mortar – it’s the foundation for opportunity, safety, and a better life. No child should grow up without one.”
The statement was echoed by Generation Rent chief executive Ben Twomey, who credited the Act to the “tireless campaigning from the renter movement” in his detailed remarks.
Twomey said: “Today is a landmark day for renters across England. This new law is a vital step towards re-balancing power between renters and landlords and should be celebrated.
“Our homes are the foundation of our lives, but for too long our broken renting system has left huge numbers of renters staring down the barrel of poverty and homelessness, whilst placing a huge strain on local councils. For decades, Section 21 evictions forced renters to live in fear of being turfed out of our homes, preventing us from raising valid concerns with our landlords. At last, this outdated and unfair law is being sent packing.
“This new law didn’t appear out of thin air. It is the result of years of tireless campaigning from the renter movement, alongside the dedication and strength of ordinary renters. I hope that renters across England can rest a little easier tonight in recognition of what we have achieved together.
“The Government must now give clarity to renters and landlords by announcing an implementation date quickly, bringing in renters’ new rights as soon as possible.”
And of course another activist Tom Darling of the Renters Reform Coalition another activist leader, claims in the same government statement: “The members of the Renters Reform Coalition have been campaigning for this generational upgrade to renters’ rights for a decade, so today is fantastic news for England’s 12 million renters.
“Our thanks to this Government for finally getting this landmark legislation, which has faced stiff opposition at various points, over the finishing line.
“For far too long, tenants in England have been afraid to challenge their landlords or ask for essential repairs for fear of a section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction. Once the new law comes into force, section 21 will finally be consigned to the dustbin of history, and renters will gain crucial protections, as well as new powers to hold landlords to account.”
Housing Secretary Steve Reed also said: “A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will also offer swift, binding resolutions to tenants’ complaints. The service will offer fair, impartial and binding resolution for tenants and will have powers to compel landlords to issue an apology, provide information, take remedial action and/or pay compensation.”