What does the Renters’ Rights Act mean for Finchley and Golders Green?
Every individual deserves the right to a secure, safe housing, living free from the fear of sudden eviction. Since I was elected in 2024, housing has consistently been the number one issue raised by constituents. This shows that for too many renters across the country and in Finchley and Golders Green, this basic security has not been guaranteed.
That is why I am proud to support the government’s new Renters’ Rights Act which comes into effect from the 1st of May, 2026. This law will strengthen protection for renters, giving people greater confidence and clearer channels to challenge unfair treatment by exploitative landlords.
In Finchley and Golders Green, we have seen time and time again how landlords and housing agencies abuse their power. Too many residents are left living in unacceptable conditions, facing issues with heating, hot water and being silenced with short-term fixes.
In East Finchley, residents from Strawberry Vale regularly get in touch with issues they face. Last week I met with the housing association and contractors, Peabody and T Brown, to advocate on behalf of the residents. Whilst the community at Strawberry Vale has taken significant steps to protect their home and community, tenants should not have to fight this hard for basic repairs and fair treatment. Instead, real and lasting change must come through stronger legal protections.
The Renters’ Rights Act will deliver this change in three key ways.
First, renters will be protected against unfair evictions, bringing an end to the cruel ‘no-fault evictions’ which undermine housing security.
Second, all tenancies will be periodic, making it easier to leave your tenancy should circumstances change. This prevents tenants from being locked into fixed contracts whilst landlords delay repairs, knowing the tenant cannot easily move elsewhere.
Finally, it will limit rent increases to once a year, and in line with market value. Crucially, tenants will also have the right to challenge unfair increases in court, without fear of retaliation.
Together, the reforms will not only strengthen renters rights, but will also ease the pressures of the cost of living, which remains the number one priority of this Labour government.