Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Private Rented Sector

Monday 24 November 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tom Rutland asked about the challenges faced by residents in the private rented sector in his constituency, including excessive rent hikes and no-fault evictions.
  • The Secretary of State responded by outlining plans to deliver reforms in three phases, starting with the abolition of section 21 no-fault evictions and limits on rent increases.
  • Jim Shannon highlighted the financial difficulties faced by renters and the need for more social and affordable housing to address the issue of desperation among renters.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tom Rutland Lab East Worthing and Shoreham
Housing
Context

The Labour Renters’ Rights Act 2025 aims to strengthen tenant protections. In East Worthing and Shoreham, over 10,000 residents rent privately, facing issues such as excessive rent hikes and no-fault evictions.

Question

In my constituency more than 10,000 residents are renting privately. These families, couples, friends and individuals have too often been the victims of excessive rent hikes, no-fault evictions, substandard conditions, and a private rented sector that benefits bad landlords and disadvantages fair landlords and good tenants. Can my right hon. Friend tell me when the measures in the Renters’ Rights Act will come into effect and give security to my constituents who rent privately?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)

My hon. Friend is, I know, an outstanding advocate for his constituents. We will deliver our reforms in three phases. On 1 May next year, we will implement reforms to reshape the tenancy system and remove barriers to renting, including abolishing section 21 no-fault evictions, limiting rent increases to just one a year, and outlawing bidding wars. The implementation dates for Awaab’s law and the decent homes standard are subject to consultation.

Answered
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Q2 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Housing Northern Ireland
Context

Many people renting their accommodation face significant financial hardships and live in small, one-bedroom flats. The situation is urgent and requires immediate attention.

Question

I recognise what the Secretary of State has said about protection for those who rent houses, but desperation is the issue for many people who rent their accommodation, and who find themselves in financial difficulties while living—as we heard earlier from the hon. Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock (James McMurdock)—in a small, one-bedroom flat. Will the Secretary of State please speak to the relevant Minister in Northern Ireland, who I think would be the Minister for Communities, about what the Government here are doing, to ensure that we in Northern Ireland can be a focus of attention?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Steve Reed)

I recognise what the hon. Gentleman has said. The answer is, of course, to build more social and affordable housing, and to increase the supply of housing more generally. I am, in fact, due to meet the relevant Northern Ireland Minister to discuss these matters, and I look forward to that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Financial difficulties and small living spaces

How: Looking At This, Working With Partners

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