Renters Rights Act first phase comes into force on 1 May, abolishing Section 21 and capping rent rises

The first phase of the Renters Rights Act takes effect on 1 May, abolishing Section 21 no-fault evictions, moving all tenancies to periodic agreements, capping rent rises at once per year and banning rental bidding. Possession will require Section 8 grounds with documented justification. For sellers in buy-to-let, the operational bar rises and several forecasters warn of further landlord exits. For buyers, that may bring more ex-rental stock to market in the coming months.