Positive coverages features across press this week after MHCLG announced new funding worth over £41 million to support councils across England, as they prepare for their new enforcement duties in the Renters’ Rights Act from 1 May 2026.
With the Act just two weeks from benefitting 11 million private renters in England, the enforcement cash now totalling £60 million will help councils protect renters from landlords breaking the law – alongside the Ministry of Justice investing millions to modernise the courts system for those seeking justice.
The Times reported that the new rental laws are “the biggest shake-up in private rented housing for 50 years” with measures designed to bolster councils’ legal powers, including higher fines of up to £40k for rogue landlords. The Times also featured a comment piece by the Courts Minister Sarah Sackman KC, hailing the reforms as a “new era for renters’ rights” and that it’s “enough of landlords who prioritise profits”.
The Independent featured a positive article by Press Association, quoting the Housing Secretary Steve Reed and positive commentary from the National Residential Landlords Association and Generation Rent. GB News also ran an explainer on how the changes will help renters and highlighting councils’ new enforcement powers.
Elsewhere, the story is covered widely in trade media and some local press: Birmingham Live, Inside Housing, Housing Today, Local Government Chronicle, Local Government Lawyer, Local Gov, Landlord Zone, Letting Agent Today, Property Wire, Property Reporter, Public Sector Executive, Property Week, Property Eye Industry and New Start Mag.
The Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “For too many people, renting their home brings fear instead of security. From living under the threat of unfair eviction to landlords failing to carry out repairs, renters are left with nowhere to turn for help.
“From next month, everything changes. We are giving councils tough new powers and the funding they need to step in and stand up for renters and crack down on bad landlords.
“That means an end to unfair evictions with fines of up to £40,000 for landlords who break the new rules. This Government is backing renters so they have the peace of mind they deserve in their own homes.”
Read more about the Renters’ Rights Act here. See the full press release on the new council funding here.
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