A SALISBURY-based homeless charity has welcomed the passing of a new bill designed to give people renting their homes stronger protections and clearer rights.

The Renters’ Rights Bill, which became an Act of Parliament after receiving Royal Assent from the King, sets new standards for landlords to follow and brings major changes to the private rented sector.

It includes the end of ‘no-fault’ evictions, no more fixed-term tenancies and fairer rent increases limited to one per year, with tenants able to challenge rises through a tribunal.

The bill also provides stronger enforcement so authorities such as Wiltshire Council can issue civil penalties of up to £40,000 for breaches such as failing to follow the new tenancy rules, illegal eviction or harassment. The changes won’t come into affect until 2026.

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ALABARÉ in Salisbury supports those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including veterans, young people and care leavers, through supported living accommodation across the South West and Wales.

That’s coupled with pastoral support to break the cycle of homelessness and give residents a real chance to move on independently and lead fulfilling futures.

Chief Executive of ALABARÉ, Andrew Lord, hopes the bill will ease much of the worry and pressure that tenants can face from landlords when no-fault evictions or regular rent increases are imposed on them.

“Those factors have been a factor between independent living and serious vulnerability for many of our clients in the past,” he said.

“Our mission is to break the cycle of homelessness by providing homes, restoring hearts and empowering minds, and the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill next year will hopefully ensure tenants are better protected and less likely to face crisis point.”

Progress on the bill also comes as ALABARÉ welcomes the Government’s commitment to repealing the outdated Vagrancy Act next spring, as well as increased funding to tackle rough sleeping, and a pledge to build more affordable homes across the UK.