Renters union Acorn welcomes new rights for tenants

From 1 May 2026, the law changes, giving more protection for England’s 12 million renters.

Renters union Acorn issues statement:

After more than 10 years of organising and taking action, together we have won the biggest change to renters’ rights in a generation.

From stopping evictions on our streets, to marching on rogue landlords and letting agents, to forcing councils and politicians to act, ACORN has organised at every level to win this change.

Seven years, five prime ministers and two shades of government after Theresa May promised to scrap section 21 no fault evictions, the Renters’ Rights Act is finally about to become law.

For years, too many renters have lived with the constant threat of eviction, sudden rent increases, and the fear of speaking up in case it cost them their home.

Now, section 21 ‘no fault evictions’ are being abolished, ‘bidding wars’ are being banned, rent in advance is being capped at one month, rent rises are subject to stricter rules, and renters have the right to a pet.

To read more on the headline changes, and the history of the campaign, head to our web page here, or watch the video below:

This victory belongs to every renter who organised, spoke out, took action and refused to accept ‘the way things are.’

The new law changes won’t fix everything overnight, but it’s a huge step forward: a shift in power that shows what’s possible when renters organise.

We must now make sure these rights are enforced, and make sure that rule breaking landlords and letting agents aren’t let off the hook by councils and the government.

And until everyone has a safe, secure and affordable place to call home, there’s more to fight for.

The best way of fighting for housing justice, and making sure you and your housemates are defended, is by being a member of ACORN!

Featured image via Acorn