Barnet Council is set to introduce new renters' rights in May 2026, following a motion passed at the Council meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The new rights, brought into force by the Labour Government's Renter's Rights Act, will apply to Barnet's more than 65,000 private renters.
The Renters' Rights Act
will bring significant changes, including an end to no-fault evictions and a cap on rent increases to a maximum of one justified increase per year. The Act also includes the establishment of a private sector rental ombudsman that tenants can appeal to, which is anticipated to be in place by May 2026.
Councillor Matthew Perlberg, who proposed the administration motion welcoming the act, highlighted that these changes echo reforms already implemented for council tenants. The motion referred the matter to the Cabinet to examine ways the council can support private renters in being aware of and able to exercise these new rights.
While the specific criteria for a 'justified' rent increase are not detailed in the initial announcement, the Act stipulates that only one such increase will be permitted annually. The process for tenants to access and utilize the new private sector rental ombudsman will be further outlined as the implementation date approaches.
