Acting on Good advice

Antoinette works at Reach, DHI’s service that provides housing advice and support. She’s based in Bath and the service also covers the North East Somerset area. This gives her a valuable overview of the key issues for renters in this part of our region. She talks about two interconnected factors, saying, “Specifically for private rentals there is a lack of affordability. There is also lack of supply - there's not a lot of stock available for people to rent privately. It's a very, very competitive market.”

Outlawed

This is one of the reasons why the new Renters’ Rights Act is set to have a positive impact for renters. When demand for rental properties exceeds supply, it can create the conditions for bidding wars; those who can’t afford to compete lose out, and those who can end up paying an inflated rent. From May 1^st 2026 bidding wars will be outlawed. Landlords will no longer be able to rent out a property at rent higher than the advertised rent.

Disheartening

Affordability, as Antoinette mentioned, will also be tackled by some aspects the act. The new legislation limits the frequency and level of rent increases. It gives tenants the ability to challenge unfair rent hikes at tribunal. In addition, no more than one month’s rent upfront can be asked for. We’re all hoping to see much more fairness in the private rental sector. Fairness is an important aspect of the act, and we discussed how some prospective tenants can be disadvantaged by having children, receiving benefits, or both. This kind of discrimination will be made illegal under the act. “It does happen,” she says, “It's discouraging. It's disheartening.” Our homes are the foundation for every aspect of our lives, so encouraging a fairer, more secure footing is going to lead to happier tenants and happier landlords.

"It's a biggie!"

The removal of the Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions is another aspect of the act that organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity have been waiting for. Has Antoinette been anticipating this significant change? “Definitely!” she says, “With the scrapping of Section 21 there’ll be no more evicting a tenant because you don't like what they're complaining about, or you want to higher the rent for whatever reason. It's quite a biggie!” Landlords can still evict tenants for things like antisocial behaviour or non-payment of rent. However, the option to evict without reason, or without fault from the tenant, will be gone. This is a much more balanced approach, and Antoinette welcomes landlords also being held to higher account, alongside tenants.

Best outcome

Speaking with Antoinette, and hearing about her conscientious and caring approach to supporting people during times of housing insecurity, one thing is very clear… When we don’t know how to navigate the housing system, it’s time to get expert support. She says, “We are so results orientated and we always give people the right advice in terms of their housing circumstances; what is in their best interest in terms of their housing, not for anybody else. That's what our mandate is, to look after the tenant or the landlord, and to make sure that the best possible outcome is achieved.”

This is exactly why the Renters’ Rights Guidebook, and WE-rent website were established, to connect people with expert information and advice when they need it. It’s important not to feel overwhelmed, particularly if there are other things happening in your life. Reaching out to someone like Antoinette can make a big difference and turn a renting problem around.

For more information about the Renters' Rights Act, visit our region's dedicated website or download the free guide. For further housing support, download the Early Doors handbook.

Renters' Rights Act Handbook

Renters have new legal rights from May 1st 2026. For help understanding the new rights, visit We-rent.org.uk to find information and organisations near to you that can support you.

You can also download the free guide to the Renters' Rights Act here:

RENTERS' RIGHTS HANDBOOK

Housing Support Handbook

A tool for anyone facing money worries or housing problems in Bristol, with information on housing, finances, employment, immigration, food and wellbeing. 2025 edition. Created by our Early Doors service.

DOWNLOAD HOUSING SUPPORT HANDBOOK 2025