The law will abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, introduce open-ended tenancies, limit rent increases to once per year and cap advance rent payments at one month.

The Act got royal assent on 27 October, and the government today set out the timeline for two of the three phases of the legislation to take effect.

Phase one will take place from 1 May, when section 21 evictions will be banned, fixed-term tenancies abolished and rent advances capped at one month. Also from this point landlords and their agents will not be allowed to ask for, or accept, offers above the advertised rent.

Similarly, from 1 May the government will increase the range of landlord or agent offences for which tenants can claim rent back, such as if a landlord doesn’t abide by the new ‘no re-let’ period after evicting a tenant to sell the home or move in.

Also in phase 1 will be the right for renters to formally request to keep a pet in the home.

Phase two will take place from an unspecified date in late 2026.

It will bring in a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman and a landlord database to give renters information on their home and who they are renting from.

The government has not set a start date for phase three, but this will see measures to improve the standard of private rented homes.

It will apply the Decent Homes Standard, which sets minimum quality levels for rented properties, and bring in Awaab’s Law, which will set strict timeframes for repairing hazards like damp and mould in privately rented homes.

Generation Rent chief executive Ben Twomey said: “This new law is a vital step towards re-balancing power between renters and landlords and should be celebrated.

“Our homes are the foundation of our lives, but for too long Section 21 evictions have forced renters to live in fear of being turfed out of our homes, preventing us from raising valid concerns with our landlords. At last we know when this outdated and unfair law will be sent packing.

“This Renters’ Rights Act is the result of years of tireless campaigning from the renter movement, alongside the dedication and strength of ordinary renters. Our work is far from done, particularly in challenging the unchecked and soaring cost of renting, but, with change on the horizon, I hope that renters across England can rest a little easier tonight in recognition of what we have achieved together.”

Earlier this month Pegasus Insight said the Renters’ Rights Act will push rents up as landlords respond to tougher regulation and greater compliance demands.