Political opinion: Mansfield renters finally get the protections they deserve
Historic rights for people who rent their home, introduced by the Labour Government, are giving people in Mansfield life-changing protection and the security they have been denied for too long.
For many people in Mansfield today, renting from a private landlord is the only option to live as they raise children, care for relatives, and build careers.
That is why the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force is such a historic change.
From the start of this month, Section 21 “no-fault” evictions are abolished for new cases. That means landlords can no longer remove tenants from their homes without giving a valid reason. That was never fair. It was never right that renters could do everything expected of them, pay their rent, look after their home and be part of their neighbourhood, yet still face being told to leave for no fault of their own.
Now, after more than 40 years of renters living with that threat, the law has finally changed.
It says that renters deserve certainty. It says that people should be able to make a home, not just occupy a property. It says that housing security should not depend on whether you own or rent.
The end of no-fault evictions is the centrepiece of these reforms, but it is supported by other important protections. Rent increases will be limited to once a year, and tenants will be able to challenge unreasonable hikes. Landlords will no longer be able to demand more than one month’s rent upfront. Bidding wars are banned. It will be illegal to discriminate against prospective tenants because they receive benefits or have children.
Together, these measures mean more fairness, more stability and more dignity for renters.
Of course, responsible landlords remain an important part of Mansfield’s housing market. Many already treat tenants well, maintain properties properly and provide good homes. This law is not aimed at them. It is about ending insecurity and making sure those who exploit the system can no longer do so unchecked.
This is a landmark moment for the 11 million private renters across England, including many here in Mansfield. It is one of the biggest changes to housing law in more than a generation.
For Mansfield renters, I’m delighted to say that this historic change means a simple but powerful thing: your home can finally feel more like your home.