Recent and upcoming changes to housing legislation in England and Wales have significantly enhanced tenants’ rights in key areas including pet ownership, protection against discrimination, security of tenure, and property condition standards. This comprehensive guide walks you through these critical updates so you can confidently understand and assert your rights.
Under the Renters’ Reform Bill, tenants gain a formal legal right to request permission to keep pets in their rented homes. This is a major shift from previous blanket bans on pets, promoting a fair, case-by-case approach that respects tenants’ wellbeing.
To assist in this process, TLA provides a Pet Request Template that formalises communications professionally and effectively.
The Equality Act 2010 safeguards tenants against unlawful discrimination by landlords or letting agents. These protections cover every stage of tenancy from application to ongoing occupancy.
Notably, courts have ruled that refusing tenants on benefits (“No DSS”) is discriminatory. This protection ensures fair access to housing without prejudice.
The abolition of Section 21 'no fault' evictions fundamentally changes tenancy security. Landlords must now use specific legal grounds under Section 8 to regain possession, providing tenants with stronger protections and due process guarantees.
This means tenants can expect more stability and certainty in their rental arrangements, with fewer sudden evictions and enhanced legal recourse in disputes.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 ensures rented homes meet minimum health and safety standards:
Tenants have legal grounds to request repairs, with options to withhold rent or pursue legal action if landlords fail to maintain these standards. For assistance, see our Disrepair Complaint Letter Template.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors are a leading UK housing law specialist firm, providing expert support for tenants and landlords on possession, disrepair, discrimination, eviction, and more. Their dedicated team ensures rapid response times and tailored legal solutions, trusted nationwide by thousands of clients.
If your rights are being breached or you need help understanding a legal change, our expert legal team is here for you.