Draft Housing Enforcement Policy 2026: tenancy reforms under the Renters’ Rights Act

Overview

We want to hear your views on our new draft Housing Enforcement Policy.

The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force on 1 May 2026 and introduces changes to private rented sector (PRS) tenancies. This includes:

• End of section 21 “no fault” evictions: Landlords will no longer be able to use a section 21 notice to end a tenancy.

• Introduction of assured periodic tenancies: These will replace assured shorthold tenancies and roll on a monthly basis with no fixed end date – renters will be able to end the tenancy at any point by giving two months’ notice.

• Reform of possession grounds so they are fair for both parties: Landlords will only be able to evict tenants when they have a valid reason.

• Limit rent increases to once a year in line with the market rate: Landlords must give tenants at least two months' notice of a rent increase.

• Ban rental bidding and asking for more than one month’s rent in advance: It will be illegal to invite or accept bids above the advertised rent. 

• End to discrimination: It will be illegal to discriminate against renters who have children or receive benefits.

• Right to request a pet: Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to have a pet.

The Council will have a new responsibility to enforce these rules where landlords do not comply with them. We want to support the majority of good landlords operating in our borough to comply with the new rules, while holding to account the minority of those who do not.

The new enforcement policy explains how we will enforce these new rules. This includes imposing a civil penalty (fine) or pursuing a criminal prosecution where a landlord commits a breach or offence.

The starting points for the level of civil penalties are stated in the government’s statutory guidance. The policy outlines the steps we will take, and factors we will consider, when deciding on the final level of a civil penalty.

The new policy will complement the existing Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy, which explains how we use enforcement powers for non-compliance with current rules relating to housing conditions and property management.  

The draft policy is based on a model civil penalty policy endorsed by the Association of Chief Environmental Health Officers (ACEHO) and used by other councils. The current Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy is also based on this model policy.  

If you require assistance in another language or a paper copy of the survey sent to you, please contact us on housingpolicy@rbkc.gov.uk or 020 7361 2146.