Latest Blog Renting is changing... Housing insecurity undermines our wellbeing. Our homes are the foundation for virtually every aspect of our lives. The new Renters’ Rights Act is enforcing significant changes to the private rental system that addresses this need for security. We spoke to Molly about her experiences as a renter... Lousy landlords Molly has rented her home since being a student, and has had several bad experiences from the start. “It just set a precedent,” she says, “of lousy landlords who weren't really that interested in making it a home for you.” This shines a light on the systemic causes of many of the problems tenants have endured. With the new legislation being a moment of significant system change, we can now expect and demand better. No warning At one point, Molly had abrupt notification that she and her husband were being evicted; for no fault, and with no reason. She remembers the moment the agent dropped the news on her. “They didn't give us any warning. They came round one day and just said, ‘Well, they've decided to sell. You're going to have to go.’ I completely broke down. I was on my own, it was just the middle of the day, and I just started crying. [The agent] said, ‘well, you didn't think this was going to last, did you?’” Rebalancing power When we’re talking about this legislation, it’s easy to forget that this is a story about the need to respect tenants who rely on their home to get on with their lives. We should be able to expect stability, “I didn't really think about it ending,” says Molly, “there was no indication. They never said that they were planning to sell.” The new act goes some way to rebalancing the relationship between tenant and landlord, limiting these unexpected and unwelcomed events. Eviction = disruption In another property, Molly’s security was once more shattered by a landlord who, rather casually, issued an eviction so they could fund another ‘project,’ exposing a troubling perspective that renting a property was somewhat of a hobby for them. But for Molly, the seriousness of this situation could not have been greater. She remembers, “That was three weeks before we got married. So, it meant we had to spend our honeymoon looking for properties. Looking for somewhere to live!” See us as humans “That seemed to be the theme,” explains Molly, “these people just wanted to sell and didn't really see us as humans in their homes.” Her experience highlights the massive disruption and distress that the Renters’ Rights Act should begin to push back against. It’s time to change our view that someone’s home is nothing more than a financial asset. Responsible landlords are welcoming the new legislation, which puts their relationship with tenants on a fairer, firmer footing. A house is not a home until we have the rights to protect it. Upkeep without fear The new legislation will come into force from May 1st, with additional measures coming into force further down the line. These will include a register for landlords’ properties, and minimum quality standards for rental homes. Molly looks back on a catalogue of sub-standard conditions, from faulty and dangerous electrics and disconnected fire alarms to damp conditions where, “We had to get rid of so much of our stuff because it just went mouldy.” It’s hoped that this will give tenants the confidence to ask for repairs and upkeep without fear of retaliatory evictions and rent hikes. Although the Renters’ Rights Act has been a long time coming, it’s now here. For many people, renting is the right option for them. But it’s time for a rethink, and a move towards a fairer place where everyone involved can feel happy and secure. It shouldn’t feel like the right option alone. It should also feel like a good option, too… Renters' Rights Act Handbook Renters have new legal rights from May 1st 2026. For help understanding the new rights, visit We-rent.org.uk to find information and organisations near to you that can support you. You can also download the free guide to the Renters' Rights Act here: RENTERS' RIGHTS HANDBOOK Housing Support Handbook A tool for anyone facing money worries or housing problems in Bristol, with information on housing, finances, employment, immigration, food and wellbeing. 2025 edition. Created by our Early Doors service. DOWNLOAD HOUSING SUPPORT HANDBOOK 2025 Manage Cookie Preferences