More than 20,000 Peterborough households set to benefit from private renting shake-up

It is thought more than 20,000 households in private rental homes across Peterborough will now have greater security and protection under the new law, which delivers long-awaited reforms to make renting fairer, safer and more secure.

The shake-up includes a ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, ending the practice of tenants being evicted without a reason. Eviction from private rented homes is the number one cause of homelessness in England.

North West Cambridgeshire MP, Sam Carling, said: “Too many renters across Peterborough and Huntingdonshire have been living with a constant fear of losing their home through no fault of their own.”

Other changes include limits on rent increases (to once per year), a ban on bidding wars for properties, a cap of one month’s rent for upfront payments and stronger protections against discrimination for those with children or in receipt of benefits.

In addition, renters will now be able to make requests to house a pet (which landlords must reasonably consider) and benefit from greater leasing flexibility with tenants able to end tenancies with two months’ notice.

Carling said he believed the new rights will give “renters the security they deserve, protecting them from unfair practices, and helping families put down lasting roots in their communities.”

He added: “These historic reforms will make a real difference to people locally,”

The new law also introduces tougher enforcement powers for councils, with fines of up to £40,000 for landlords who break the rules.

“Renters have been living at the mercy of rogue landlords and in fear of losing their home for too long,” said Housing Secretary, Steve Reed.

“We are putting a stop to this with historic changes that give renters the security they deserve.”