Renters in England and Wales could soon benefit from new protections as MPs prepare to vote on amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill on Tuesday. Among the proposed changes is a ban on landlords demanding more than one month’s rent upfront, a measure introduced by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner.
The amendment is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at addressing issues in the rental market, including ending no-fault evictions and ensuring faster repairs for tenants.
New Protections for Renters
Angela Rayner’s proposed changes also include banning landlords from charging guarantors—friends or family members—if the renter they supported passes away. These reforms are part of efforts to make renting fairer and more affordable for millions of households.
“For far too long, working people and families have been at the mercy of a fickle and unfair rental market,” Rayner said. “We are delivering on our promise to transform the lives of millions of renters so families can put down roots, allow their children to grow up in secure and healthy homes, and make sure our young people can save for their future.”
The Renters’ Rights Bill also seeks to outlaw no-fault evictions for the first time, a move that has been widely welcomed by tenant advocacy groups.
Support and Reaction
Tom Darling, director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, praised the proposed ban on upfront rent demands, stating, “For too long, extortionate rent-in-advance demands have allowed landlords to discriminate against poorer renters. It’s great the government have acted on this and listened to renter groups by setting out clearly that this practice will be prohibited.”
Labour MP Alex Sobel, who has advocated for limits on upfront payments, also welcomed the amendment. “This amendment addresses the specific challenges I’ve heard from constituents in Leeds Central and Headingley, while also benefiting renters nationwide,” he said.
Calls for Stronger Reforms
Despite these changes, Rayner continues to face pressure to introduce measures to make renting more affordable, including limiting rent increases during tenancies.
An amendment signed by 36 Labour, Green, and independent MPs calls for capping rent increases to either the rate of inflation or average earnings growth. However, ministers have pushed back against this idea, arguing that rent caps could discourage property developers from building new homes.
Tom Darling expressed hope for further reforms, saying, “As the legislation moves forward, we hope the government will continue to listen to calls for the bill to be strengthened, such as by closing loopholes that allow landlords to evict tenants using extortionate rent hikes.”
The Renters’ Rights Bill will continue to be debated, with renters and advocacy groups closely watching the outcome of the proposed changes.
