Thousands of tenants across North Yorkshire are set to benefit from major housing reforms that will give renters greater security and help them stay in their homes for longer.

The first phases of the Renters Right Act 2025 come into effect across the UK on May 1, 2026. The reforms aim to improve residents’ experience of private renting and raise the standard of their homes, whilst striking a fair balance between renters and landlords.

Key changes include abolishing “no fault” evictions to give renters stronger protection from being removed from their homes without proper legal procedures. The reforms will also ban bidding wars and prevent landlords from demanding excessive rent up-front.

Ahead of the new legislation taking effect, North Yorkshire Council is working closely with landlords to support them through the changes and minimise the need for enforcement.

A series of landlord forums will be held across North Yorkshire over the coming weeks, offering clear information and guidance on all aspects of the new legislation. The sessions will help landlords understand their new responsibilities and provide opportunities to network and share best practice.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “We value the contribution of our responsible landlords across North Yorkshire who provide affordable and quality homes to tenants.

“This legislation – which introduces some of the most significant reforms that the private rental sector has seen for more than 30 years – is about striking a fair balance between renters and landlords.

“We want the private rental system to be stable, safe, and easy to understand for everyone – and so it is important that both tenants and landlords are aware of the changes that are coming.

“These forums are a great way for landlords to understand more about the legislation and what it means for them on a local level. I would encourage anyone interested to sign up and attend one of the sessions.”

There are currently more than 11 million private renters and 2.3 million landlords in England. In North Yorkshire, about 19 per cent of occupied homes are privately rented, which equates to more than 50,000 properties.

The council is continuing to work closely with landlords across the county to ensure they are prepared for the changes. Four landlord forums will be held in April at locations across North Yorkshire.

• Tuesday, April 14, 4pm to 6.30pm at The Forum, Bullamoor Road, Northallerton, DL6 1LP
• Thursday, April 16, 4pm to 6.30pm at Scarborough Rugby Club, Scalby Road, Scarborough, YO13 0NL
• Monday, April 20, 4pm to 6.30pm at Selby Civic Centre, Doncaster Road, Selby, YO8 9FT
• Wednesday, April 22, 4pm to 6.30pm at Harrogate Civic Centre, Saint Luke’s Mount, Harrogate, HG1 2AE

It is hoped that tenants will benefit from greater security as a result of the new measures, which can empower them to challenge poor practice without fear of retaliatory eviction.

Landlords will also receive clearer, more robust grounds for possession when there is genuine need to take their property back.

The council is inviting landlords to reserve a place at any of the forums by registering online via the Eventbrite website at https://tinyurl.com/ycye7we4.

For more information about the landlord forums taking place next month, visit North Yorkshire Council’s website at https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/landlord-forums.