LONDON, April 14 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

* Local authorities across England funded anextra£41 million tocovercosts fornew enforcement powers through the Renters' Rights Act * Money will help councils oversee newlegalprotections for 11 million private renters from 1 May - a huge overhaulincluding a ban onSection 21 'no-fault' evictionsand rogue landlords will face fines of up to £40k * Multimillion-pound investment in civil courts will see justice for renters and landlords done

From 1 May, local renters will benefit from greater protections from rogue landlords,with councils armed with strengthened duties and powerstooversee thegovernment's flagshipRenters' Rights Act.

With less than amonthto gountilthesesignificantnewprotections kick in, councils are receiving extrafunding,trainingandguidancethey needto fulfil their new duties.

All 317local authorities aregettinga share of£60millionin total ahead of the Act coming into forcein just a few weeks- thepotof cashcomprisesof£41.12 millionin new funding followingan initial£18.2 millionallocatedto councils lastautumn.

To ensure justice is delivered for both renters and landlords up to£50 million will be invested to modernise the civil courts and this includes digitalising court processes. Further still, an additional £5 million is being invested into fee uplifts for the housing legal aid sector each year, so all renters can continue to access free help and support in the event of facing eviction from their home.

New powersfor councils coming on 1 Mayinclude:

* A duty toenforce: councils will be legally obliged to make sure landlords arecomplying withthe new rules that ban old practices like rental bidding wars, discrimination against tenants with kids or receiving benefits and 'no-fault' evictions. * Bigger fines: landlords seriously or repeatedly breaking the law will now face higher fines of up to £40,000 - up from £30,000. * Rent Repayment Orderswill also be heftier if the rulesaren'tbeing followed- going fromone year's worth of rentto two years - and tenants canchallenge offences going back to two years, up fromone year.

Thisfollows expanded investigatory powers that came into forcelastDecember for councils to carry out ramped up, more thoroughinvestigationswhere they suspect landlords are breaking the law - from the entering the premiseswithouthaving togiveprior noticeto landlordsto accessinginformation fromthird-partieslikebanks and accountants.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:

"It'sless than a month until the Renters' Rights Act begins to transform our private rented sector - ahuge manifesto commitment.

"We'vebeenpreparingcouncils to use theirnewpowers ontheminorityof landlordswho ripoff theirtenantsand this new funding will help councilscarry outtheirduties.

"Stronger powers and fineswill helpdeter wrongdoingin the first place,as we work towards abetter rental systemthat's fairertotenants and goodlandlords."

Courts Minister, Sarah Sackman KC said:

"The Renters' Rights Act is historic, and ourcourtsand tribunals must stand ready to deliver justice.

"That'swhy we're investing millions tomoderniseand digitise court processes. Access to justice is crucial, so we're also keeping court fees low and providingfree legal aid advice to those who need it most."

Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, Ben Beadle said:

"Rogue landlords have no place in the private rented sector and every effort should be made by local authorities to drive them from the market.

"This announcement demonstrates that the government is serious about tackling those who bring the sector into disrepute and supporting those responsible landlords who provide decent and secure homes for renters."

Chief Executive of Generation Rent, Ben Twomey said:

"The Renters' Rights Act is a vital step in addressing the power imbalance between tenants and landlords. But the law will only reach into people's homes and make a positive difference to their lives if councils are able to take actions against landlords who don't follow the new rules. Therefore, we're pleased to see the government commit further funding for councils, boosting their ability to make sure renters feel the benefit of the changes from May 1st."

Further information

See here an easy explainer on the changes coming in the Renters' Rights Act on 1 May.

See here an easy explainer on what landlords need to do be ready for the changes.

£60 millionto support councils' enforcement dutiescomprisesof£41.12million in newfunding this April, on top of an£18.2 millionprovided on 30 November 2025.

Local authorities will continue to receiveadditionalyearly funding to support their newduties under the Renters' Rights Act.

The £50 million court investment is for civil courts as a whole but include preparations for the Renters' Rights Act. It covers the current Spending Review period ending 2028/29.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.