More than 20,000 households across Peterborough will now benefit from stronger protections under the new Renters’ Rights Act — the biggest upgrade to renters’ rights in over 40 years.
Speaking at Fletton Quays, Sam Carling, MP for NW Cambridgeshire, said these reforms will help families put down lasting roots and give renters the security they deserve.
More than 20,000 households across Peterborough will now benefit from stronger protections under the new Renters’ Rights Act — the biggest upgrade to renters’ rights in over 40 years.
The new law will:
✅ Ban Section 21 no-fault evictions
✅ Limit rent increases to once a year
✅ Ban rental bidding wars
✅ Strengthen protections for families and benefit claimants
✅ Give renters the right to request a pet
✅ Provide greater security and flexibility for tenants
Millions of renters across England are now benefiting from the biggest strengthening of renters’ rights in over 40 years, as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force.
Carling said that more than 20,000 households in private rental homes in 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 landmark changes include a ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, ending the practice of tenants being evicted without a reason. This will help families put down roots and reduce the risk of homelessness.
Renters will also benefit from:
- 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
- Stronger protections against discrimination for those with children or in receipt of benefits
- New rights to request a pet, which landlords must reasonably consider
- Greater flexibility, with tenants able to end tenancies with two months’ notice
Carling, Labour MP for North West Cambridgeshire, 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.
“These historic reforms will make a real difference to people locally – giving renters the security they deserve, protecting them from unfair practices, and helping families put down lasting roots in their communities.
“I’m proud that this Labour government is delivering the biggest upgrade to renters’ rights in a generation.”
Andrew Pakes, Labour MP for the Peterborough constituency, said: “Across Peterborough, too many households have faced instability and uncertainty about their rented homes.
“We were elected on a commitment to change that. These reforms honour that promise by reshaping the system so it works more fairly for local people and shows this Labour Government delivering on its commitments to our community.”
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “Renters have been living at the mercy of rogue landlords and in fear of losing their home for too long.
“We are putting a stop to this with historic changes that give renters the security they deserve – marking the beginning of a new era for private renters.”
The new law also introduces tougher enforcement powers for councils, with fines of up to £40,000 for landlords who break the rules, ensuring that rogue operators can no longer evade accountability.
Alongside these reforms, the government is investing in stronger enforcement and modernising the courts system to make it easier for both tenants and landlords to access justice.
- The Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026.
- The reforms apply to private renters across England.
- Eviction from private rented homes is the number one cause of homelessness in England
