The landmark legislation will ban Section 21 no-fault evictions, which reached a six-year high last year and are cited by Shelter as the leading cause of homelessness.
It will bring other changes including applying the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) and Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector, abolishing blanket bans on tenants who have children or receive benefits, and cracking down on bidding wars.
The bill has gone through parliament largely unchanged since it was introduced last year, though a key amendment exempting shared owners from a ban on re-letting their homes was agreed in its third reading in the Lords last week.
Paul Shanks, from the Renters’ Reform Coalition, said: “The passing of the Renters’ Rights Bill is fantastic news for England’s 12 million private renters – and a testament to the hard work of thousands of renter campaigners and housing organisations who have fought for these reforms for the best part of a decade.
“These changes will give tenants crucial protections and security in their homes, allowing us to put down roots and become part of our communities.
“However, even once the king has signed it into law, renters won’t feel the benefit of this crucial legislation until its implementation date when it comes into force – in the meantime, thousands of renters will continue to face unjust evictions and poor treatment from landlords."
