On 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act came into force. The changes to renting will impact people across the Diocese. You can find full details of the changes on the government website at the link below this article.
Some of us are, and most of us have been at some point, private tenants. This Act gives tenants stronger protections and rolling tenancies, places limits on rent increases and abolishes no-fault evictions, alongside other improvements that will improve the security and quality of life of tenants.
We are working with the Bristol-based organisation Housing Matters to amplify their communications on the Act, including on the ‘We Rent Campaign’ on social media.
With regards to the Diocese, it is important to flag the following points:
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Clergy housing provided by the Diocese is not directly impacted by the Act – there will be no changes to how we provide or manage clergy homes.
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Private tenants of the Diocese are covered by the terms of the Act – we have already provided guidance on the Act to all of our tenants. A copy of this guidance is available at a link below this article .
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If you are a private landlord in your own right, such as a member of clergy who rents out a property that you own, then it is important that you familiarise yourself with the requirements of the Act and that either you, or your letting agency, update your tenants accordingly.
Revd Nicola Harris, Chaplain for Housing and Associate Vicar at St Andrew's Church Avonmouth & St Peter's Church Lawrence Weston said:
"In 2021, the Archbishop of Canterbury ’s Housing Commission highlighted that over 8 million people in England were living in overcrowded, unaffordable and sub-standard homes, having a huge impact on their health, relationships, employment and education. We believe God cares deeply about these people and we have a collective responsibility to do what we can to bring change.
“The introduction of the Renters Rights Act marks a significant change in the law relating to private renting and provides tenants with greater safety, security, and stability. The banning of no-fault evictions, in particular, places power back into the hands of tenants and offers important reassurance for vulnerable individuals who have been more at risk of living in insecure and unsafe housing, with little power to change their situation.
“It is important that landlords are well supported as they adapt their practices to comply with the new legislation. I encourage landlords to make use of the guidance available on the government website and aim to see the provision of a good home for others as a way of showing Christian hospitality and generosity to others, not simply a means of income."