Ipswich landlord warns reforms could ‘wipe out a sector’ as no-fault evictions end
The changes come into effect today
A landlord in Ipswich has warned changes to rental laws could “wipe out a sector” and increase pressure on councils and push up housing costs, as the government prepares to abolish “no-fault” evictions.
From today (May 1st 2026), Section 21 notices, which allow landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason, will be abolished as part of reforms.
The government says the reforms will create a fairer system, while strengthening alternative legal routes for landlords to regain possession of properties.
More information on this can be found on the government website.
"It will wipe a sector out"
But Ross Bonner, who manages a number of properties including a block of flats in Ipswich, says the changes risk unintended consequences if they are not carefully managed.
“I think the government’s got to understand that there’s a housing crisis,” he said.
“The private landlord sector creates a great volume of accommodation for those individuals.”
He warned that increasing pressure on landlords could reduce the number of rental properties available.
“If you’re going to start stamping your foot down on landlords… it will wipe out a sector that will put more strain on local councils,” he said.
Mr Bonner added that this could have a knock-on effect across the housing system.
“You’ll run into a point where councils will run out of money and the government won’t have any answers… and homeless people and situations like that will occur,” he said.
“It will all have that sort of effect… rising housing costs for people who can already afford… renting and buying and getting on the ladder.”
The reforms come amid ongoing concerns about housing supply, with many local authorities already under pressure to meet demand.
Mr Bonner said landlords are already facing a number of challenges, including increased regulation and costs in recent years.
“At the minute, they’re trying to drive us out and tax us out… it’s a business,” he said.
“They’re outlawing people that do it… for an extra pension or income.”
However, he acknowledged that the removal of Section 21 may not affect all landlords equally.
“If you’re a good landlord and you keep your affairs in order and you’ve got good tenants, then it’s nothing to be scared about,” he said.
He explained that under the new system, landlords will still be able to evict tenants through Section 8 notices, including in cases of anti-social behaviour, rent arrears or where they need to sell or move into the property.
Mr Bonner said proper tenant checks would become even more important.
“They vet the tenants properly, and that’s the only thing you could do to be honest,” he said.
The government has said the changes are designed to strike a balance between protecting tenants from sudden eviction and ensuring landlords can still act when necessary.
Housing charities have broadly welcomed the move, arguing it will provide greater stability for renters.
But some landlords say the success of the reforms will depend on how well the wider system, including courts and local authorities, is able to cope with increased demand.
Government response
- 11 million private tenants in England are now protected by the biggest increase to renters’ rights in over 40 years
- No more Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions as the Renters’ Rights Act stamps out the practice for good, as part of a huge package of new protections starting today (1 May 2026)
- New rights with tougher fines now in force will help shield renters from financial exploitation, homelessness, discrimination and more
The most historic changes to private renting in England are now in action, giving 11 million tenants landmark new rights and protections that will transform their experiences.
This huge new package in force from today (1 May 2026) includes the highly anticipated ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – ending the practice of evicting tenants without justification which will give renters greater security and help prevent homelessness.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“For too long, families have lived with the constant fear of eviction, while young people have been outbid for the homes they need to start their lives.
“Today we are putting that right. We promised to fix a broken rental system and we’re delivering.
“This historic action will make renting fairer, safer and more secure for millions, so people can settle, put down roots and build their lives.”
Other changes will protect renters’ pockets by limiting rent increases to once a year and upfront rent demands to just one month’s payment. Bidding wars are now banned, so no one has to battle it out with high offers to secure a place and tenants can challenge unreasonable rent hikes.
Renters now have the flexibility to end any tenancy with no more than two months’ notice, as fixed-term agreements become invalid from today.
It is now also illegal to discriminate against prospective tenants for being on benefits or having children and pet requests must be reasonably considered.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said:
“Renters have been living at the mercy of rogue landlords and in fear of losing their home for too long.
“We are putting a stop to this with historic changes that give renters the security they deserve - marking the beginning of a new era for private renters.”
These new laws come with heftier penalties of up to £40k if they are broken and rogue landlords can no longer hide, as councils’ new powers under the Renters’ Rights Act kick in to investigate and clamp down harder.
Alongside boosted funding for councils to oversee the Act and take robust enforcement action, the courts are being digitalised to help tenants and landlords access justice, with millions being invested to simplify processes.