Last week marked one of the biggest changes to renting in a generation. For millions of people across the country—including 5,232 renters here in the Forest of Dean—the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force will bring long-needed security and protection.

For too long, too many renters have lived with uncertainty. Many families and individuals have told me about the stress of not knowing whether they might be asked to leave their home with little notice or being forced into bidding wars just to secure somewhere to live. This Bill stops that to ensure everyone’s home can be a place of stability, not anxiety.

These changes aim to help those in the private rented sector with an assured or assured shorthold tenancy.

This law enforces the end of “no-fault” evictions without valid grounds. Landlords must now provide a clear, legal reason if they want to end a tenancy. That means an end to the practice of asking tenants to leave despite doing nothing wrong—a change that gives people far greater security in their homes.

Landlords can still get their property back for clear reasons, such as selling up and moving in after 12 months, or dealing with rent arrears or anti-social behaviour. 

The changes aim to strike a fair balance between renters and landlords, making the system more stable, safer, and easier to understand. 

The government is also investing in the courts to help tenants and landlords see justice more quickly, with boosted powers and funding for councils now in place to tackle bad landlords. 

Fixed-term contracts are being replaced with rolling tenancies. In simple terms, renters are no longer locked into rigid agreements and can move more flexibly as their circumstances change.

There are also practical changes that many will welcome immediately. Rental bidding wars—where tenants are pushed to offer above the advertised price—are being banned. Landlords will also no longer be able to demand large sums up front, with payments capped at one month’s rent.

For pet owners, there is progress too. Landlords must now consider requests for pets fairly, rather than imposing blanket bans. And importantly, discrimination against renters with children or those receiving benefits is being outlawed.

Taken together, these changes are designed to create a rental market that works for everyone. They are about restoring fairness and dignity to people who simply want a safe, stable place to call home.

Of course, we must continue to address the broader challenges in our housing system, particularly the need to increase supply and ensure homes are genuinely affordable.

Concerns have been raised about how the market will respond, and it is right that we keep a close eye on the impact these reforms have in practice.

These reforms will be welcomed by over 5,000 Forest of Dean residents living in rented accommodation. I’m pleased that so many of you will benefit from a law this government promised to deliver for those who need it most.