Evict Rogue Landlords - Shelter Campaign: the position in 2026
Evict Rogue Landlords - Shelter Campaign is a nationwide initiative by Shelter aimed at compelling local authorities to establish strong accreditation schemes for private landlords, ensuring that only responsible and compliant individuals can operate within their jurisdiction. This campaign recognises the growing demand for rental properties and seeks to protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords who prioritise profit over safety and compliance with housing laws.
The significance of this campaign in 2026 lies in its response to the escalating challenges faced by private renters, including unsafe living conditions, inadequate repairs, and exploitation. With the Renters' Rights Act 2025 setting a new legal framework, Shelter's efforts are now more critical than ever to ensure that these laws are effectively implemented and enforced.
What the law says
The eviction process for rogue landlords is governed by several key statutes: the Housing Act 1988 (Sections 8 and 21), the Housing Act 2004, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11), and the Deregulation Act 2015. These laws delineate the grounds for eviction, requiring landlords to provide adequate notice periods and just cause before terminating a tenancy.
The Housing Act 1988 provides two primary routes for eviction: Section 8 allows landlords to seek possession on specific grounds such as rent arrears or breach of lease conditions, while Section 21 enables no-fault evictions with appropriate notice. The Housing Act 2004 establishes the statutory obligations of private sector landlords, including the requirement to maintain properties in a habitable condition under Section 213-215.
the Tenant Fees Act 2019 prohibits excessive fees and unlawful deductions from tenant deposits, ensuring that tenants aren't financially exploited by rogue landlords. These laws collectively aim to safeguard tenants' rights while holding landlords accountable for compliance with housing standards.
How the Renters' Rights Act 1025 changes this
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces sweeping reforms aimed at addressing the failings of previous legislation and ensuring tenant protection against rogue landlords. Key provisions include the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions, which previously allowed landlords to terminate tenancies without cause by providing a statutory notice period.
the RRA 2025 mandates that all tenancies are periodic from day one, eliminating fixed-term contracts and granting tenants greater flexibility and security. At Evict Rogue Landlords - Shelter Campaign, the Act also imposes an annual rent cap based on Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988, preventing landlords from imposing exorbitant rental increases.
Building upon the Decent Homes Standard established in 2015, the RRA 2025 extends these requirements to cover all private rented sector (PRS) properties. This ensures that every property meets a minimum standard for habitability and safety. Additionally, Awaab's Law, which requires landlords to maintain adequate heating systems and prevent condensation-related issues, is now applicable to private landlords.
The Act also establishes the PRS Ombudsman to handle disputes between tenants and landlords, providing an independent avenue for resolution. Landlords are required to register with a new PRS Database, ensuring transparency and accountability in the industry.
What this means for tenants
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, tenants now enjoy enhanced protections against rogue landlords who seek to exploit them through substandard conditions or unfair eviction practices. Tenants may be entitled to challenge unlawful no-fault evictions that occur without just cause or proper notice. They can also report landlord non-compliance with the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab's Law by contacting local authorities or the PRS Ombudsman.
Tenants should familiarise themselves with their rights under the RRA 2025. Including the right to a habitable home free from health risks. This means that landlords are expected to address urgent repairs promptly and maintain properties in good condition year-round. By keeping careful records of property conditions and any communications with the landlord regarding maintenance issues. Tenants can build a strong case should legal action be necessary.
What this means for landlords
Landlords must now adhere to stricter regulations designed to curb exploitative practices within the private rented sector. Compliance with the Renters' Rights Act 2025 is mandatory. And non-compliance may result in penalties or even revocation of their right to let property. Landlords are required to register with the PRS Database, ensuring transparency about their credentials and track record.
Regular maintenance checks and prompt repairs are now critical under Awaab's Law and the Decent Homes Standard. At Evict Rogue Landlords - Shelter Campaign, failure to meet these obligations can lead to legal consequences and reputational damage. Additionally, landlords must familiarise themselves with the annual rent cap and adjust rental prices accordingly to avoid disputes over excessive charges.
Common scenarios
Scenario 1: No-Fault Eviction A tenant receives a Section 21 notice from their landlord under the Housing Act 1988, seeking possession of the property without cause. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, tenants may challenge this eviction if it occurs before the statutory conversion date and doesn't meet the criteria for just cause.
Scenario 2: Substandard Living Conditions A tenant lives in a property with serious mould issues despite multiple complaints to their landlord. The landlord fails to address these concerns within a reasonable timeframe, violating Awaab's Law and the Decent Homes Standard. Tenants may seek intervention from environmental health officers or escalate the issue through the PRS Ombudsman.
Scenario 3: Rent Hikes A tenant faces an unreasonably high rent increase in their periodic tenancy agreement shortly after its conversion to a new system under the RRA 2025. The landlord attempts to justify the rise by citing market conditions, but this may be unlawful if it exceeds the annual cap set forth in Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988.
Evidence tenants should keep
Tenants should carefully document their tenancy experiences and any issues they encounter with their property or landlord. important items to collect include:
- Lease Agreements: Keep a copy of all signed documents outlining the terms of your tenancy.
- Correspondence: Save emails, letters, text messages, and voice notes from the landlord regarding repairs, rent payments, and other matters related to the property's condition.
- Photographs/Videos: Record evidence of mould growth, poor heating systems, or structural issues affecting living conditions.
- Repair Requests & Follow-Ups: Document all repair requests sent to the landlord along with any follow-up communications confirming receipt but lacking action.
Gathering this evidence is important in proving breaches of tenant rights and supporting legal actions against rogue landlords. Evict Rogue Landlords - Shelter Campaign also serves as a safeguard when negotiating repairs or compensation for substandard conditions.
What to do if things go wrong
If tenants encounter issues such as unfair eviction notices, substandard living conditions, or unlawful rent increases, there are several steps they can take:
- Write a Complaint Letter: Send a formal complaint to the landlord detailing specific grievances and any evidence gathered.
- Report to Environmental Health Officers: Contact your local council's environmental health department if urgent repairs aren't being addressed by the landlord.
- Deposit Scheme Dispute Resolution: Submit claims for damages or rent overcharges through the deposit scheme administrator if applicable.
- PRS Ombudsman Complaints: Escalate unresolved disputes to the PRS Ombudsman for an independent review and resolution.
- First-Tier Tribunal Appeal: Seek judicial intervention by applying to a first-tier tribunal if other avenues fail to yield satisfactory results.
- County Court Action: Pursue legal action through the county court system as a last resort when all other measures prove ineffective.
Each step should be carefully documented, and tenants are advised to consult with solicitors or Shelter for tailored advice based on their specific circumstances.
Common mistakes to avoid
Both tenants and landlords commonly make errors that can exacerbate problems rather than resolve them effectively:
- Not Keeping Detailed Records: Failing to maintain thorough documentation of tenancy issues and landlord non-compliance weakens tenant claims in disputes.
- Ignoring Minor Issues: Allowing small maintenance issues to escalate into major concerns undermines habitability standards and complicates legal resolutions.
- Misinterpreting Legal Requirements: Overlooking or misunderstanding statutory obligations can lead landlords to unintentionally violate the law, resulting in penalties and reputational harm.
- Avoiding Communication: Refusing to engage constructively with the other party hinders resolution of disputes through informal means, pushing them towards formal complaints and legal action.
- Underestimating Tenant Rights: Overlooking tenant protections established under Acts like the Renters' Rights Act 2025 can leave both parties vulnerable to exploitation or unnecessary conflict.
Avoiding these pitfalls is important for maintaining healthy landlord-tenant relationships and upholding housing standards within the private rented sector.
Where to get help
For full support, tenants should reach out to:
- Shelter: Offers advice through their website and local services. At Evict Rogue Landlords - Shelter Campaign, - Citizens Advice: Provides free legal guidance via phone or in-person consultations.
- Local Council Housing Teams: Serve as initial points of contact for addressing property maintenance issues and landlord compliance.
- Housing Solicitors: Specialise in tenant rights and can provide detailed legal representation.
Legal aid may be available to those meeting specific eligibility criteria, further enabling access to professional assistance in resolving tenancy disputes.