The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill – which includes a ban on Section 21 evictions – marks a fundamental shift in the balance of power between landlords and tenants and could inadvertently lead to an increase in disputes, several commentators have warned in recent months, but there is little evidence to support those claims, according to the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).
Ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on 1 May and abolishing Section 21 evictions, the NRLA points to government data for 2025 that shows 28,112 possession claims were made in England using the Section 21 accelerated procedure, the lowest level since 2022. In the final quarter of 2025, 6,367 claims were recorded, also the lowest since late 2022.
Meanwhile, official homelessness statistics indicate that between July and September 2025, the number of households threatened with homelessness due to a Section 21 notice fell 18.6% compared with the same period the previous year.
The government has within the past few days published a document outlining key tenancy changes that landlords and agents must share with tenants by 31 May 2026.
The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 covers the end of Section 21 evictions, the shift to rolling tenancies, rent increase protections, and other changes under the new law. It also provides guidance on tenant rights, including keeping pets. Millions of renters across England will receive this information ahead of the Act’s implementation on 1 May.
Agents urged to act before Renters’ Rights cut-off – what you need to know