Abena welcomes stronger renters’ rights from today for over 12,500 people in Erith and Thamesmead
More than 12,500 private renters in Erith and Thamesmead – and millions more across London and England – are set to benefit from stronger protections from today, as the new Renters’ Rights Act comes into force.
The new law introduces the biggest changes to renters’ rights in over 40 years, giving local tenants greater security and protection against unfair practices.
Around 12,581 renters in the constituency will benefit from measures including a ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, helping to prevent people being forced out of their homes without reason.
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
Abena Oppong-Asare, Labour MP for Erith and Thamesmead said:
“Too many renters in Erith and Thamesmead have been living with the 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 roots in their communities.
“I’m proud that this Labour government is delivering the biggest upgrade to renters’ rights in a generation.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“For too long, families have lived with the constant fear of eviction, while young people have been outbid for the homes they need to start their lives.
“Today we are putting that right. We promised to fix a broken rental system and we’re delivering.
“This historic action will make renting fairer, safer and more secure for millions, so people can settle, put down roots and build their lives.”
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.
Nationally, the reforms are expected to benefit around 11 million renters, while also improving the system for the 2.3 million landlords in England.
Across the wider area, the reforms will deliver stronger rights to for 76,127 private renters across the Royal Borough of Greenwich and 40,009 in the London Borough of Bexley, highlighting the scale of change locally.
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.
Social Media Post:
Today, the Renters' Rights Act comes into force.
— Abena Oppong-Asare MP (@abenaopp) May 1, 2026
It will strengthen rights for 2.7 million renters in London, including over 12,500 in our Erith and Thamesmead constituency.
A change so many local residents have been calling for – delivered by this @UKLabour Government. pic.twitter.com/qPfevIdpAc
