The New Statesman: politics and culture In Britain's broken housing market, does the Renters' Rights Bill go far enough?
Sep 9, 2025
Tom Darling, Director of the Renters' Reform Coalition, advocates for tenant rights in a housing market where renters often spend 40% of their income on housing. He discusses the newly proposed Renters' Rights Bill and whether it truly addresses the pressing needs of tenants. The conversation delves into the influence of landlords on economic growth, the intertwining issues of immigration, and the ongoing struggle for tenant protections amidst a rising housing crisis. Can this bill make a meaningful difference for renters?
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TV Normalises Landlord Culture
- Tom Darling contrasts 'Homes Under the Hammer' to show cultural normalization of landlordism.
- He notes the show shifted from first-time buyers to landlords and rarely mentions tenants anymore.
Major Legal Rewrite For Renters
- The Renters' Rights Bill abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions and replaces them with court-based eviction grounds.
- It also creates a national property database, a new ombudsman, timebound damp-and-mould remedies, and a decent homes standard.
Plan For Weak Enforcement
- Expect enforcement to be the weak link because local authorities lack staff and funding.
- Prepare for political pressure from landlords and under-resourced councils to slow implementation.