Keir Starmer writes for Big Issue: 'It's about time we rebalanced the system to give renters more power'

It’s the letter through the door that tells you you’re going to be evicted just before Christmas. It’s the mouldy, leaking patch in your kids’ bedroom that never gets fixed, no matter how many times you ask. It’s having to give up your beloved dog because you can’t find a flat that will accept pets. 

And, most of all, it’s the powerlessness of it. The fact that your landlord can put up the rent whenever they want, and the fear that they will evict you if you complain. That they can make you homeless on a whim. That your home – the place that should be a haven, a strong foundation where you can put down roots to build your life – is precarious.  

The last time I wrote for Big Issue, I promised this government would fight for safe, secure housing for every person. Today, I’m proud to have made a huge step towards that reality. The Renters’ Rights Act is now the law of the land, with just months to go until these changes kick in on 1 May. 

Eleven million people in England are renters. And of course, the vast majority of landlords are respectable and reasonable, treating their tenants well and providing an important service. But it’s about time that we rebalanced the system to give renters more rights and more power in their homes. That’s exactly what this act does. 

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At its heart is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions. Where previously a landlord could boot you out of your home for no reason with very little time to find a new place to live, we’re changing the rules so that they will now need a legal reason and longer notice periods in most cases.  

That doesn’t just provide families with more security. It means they can challenge poor conditions and unreasonable rent increases, knowing that their landlord won’t be able to retaliate by kicking them out.  

We’re also putting limits on how much rent you have to pay in advance. Now, it will be capped at one month’s rent. And your landlord won’t be able to demand a rent increase whenever they like. They can only put the rent up once a year. They must give at least two months’ notice, and tenants will be able to challenge unfair increases. 

We’re taking action against discrimination in our housing systems. Landlords won’t be able to say no to you keeping a pet without good reason. You won’t be able to refuse tenants because they receive benefits any more. 

And I’m especially proud that Awaab’s Law will be introduced in the private rented sector, forcing landlords to deal with hazardous conditions within strict timeframes. This law, named after two-year-old Awaab who died after being exposed to mould in his home, will prevent future illness and preventable deaths.  

Homes aren’t just about bricks and mortar. They’re a foundation for families to build a life. They represent stability for young children who know that they have a safe home to go to after school. For young professionals who’ve just got a new job in the area. For people trying to save for the future.  

This generational uplift in renters’ rights is about putting more power into the hands of people who have had to stand for unfair behaviour for too long. By giving renters the rights, security and protections they deserve we’ll be able to prevent homelessness, put an end to unsafe housing and make sure people can live with dignity and without fear for the future. 

This is at the heart of my government’s Plan for Change, to tackle the housing crisis, so everyone has a decent, affordable home to live in. And to make sure every person can put down roots, so together we can look forward to a better future. 

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

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