Housing Committee Letter to the Mayor on the Renters' Rights Act

65 per cent of renters in London have either not heard of the Renters’ Rights Act or do not understand what it means for them.¹

A letter published today by the London Assembly Housing Committee warns that low awareness of new renters’ rights could undermine major reforms coming into force in less than two months time. 

The first phase of the legislation will take effect on 1 May 2026, introducing significant changes to the private rented sector, including the abolition of section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, the end of fixed term tenancies, and bans on rental bidding and advance rent payments.

The Committee sets out the need for a London-wide approach to communicating the new measures in the Act. It argues that the Mayor’s communications on the Act should use all available channels, including the Mayor’s digital platforms and advertising across the Transport for London network, and should be coordinated closely with boroughs, renters’ organisations and housing charities.