As the county’s largest non-profit provider of supported accommodation, we welcome key elements of the Renters’ Rights Act 2026, but without stronger local enforcement and increased housing supply, many vulnerable residents could continue to face housing insecurity.
On 1st May 2026, the Act introduces long-awaited reforms to the private rented sector, including the abolition of “no-fault” evictions, stronger protections against unfair rent increases, and improved standards for rental properties. For many tenants across Oxfordshire, where private rents remain among the highest in the South East, these changes represent a significant step forward.
However, we believe that legislation alone will not resolve the deepening housing crisis affecting local communities. Simon Hewett-Avison, CEO of Homeless Oxfordshire said:
“Every week, we support individuals in Oxfordshire who have been on the sharp end of no-fault evictions, or are affected by the housing shortage.
The Renters’ Rights Act is a positive and necessary reform, but without sufficient affordable housing and robust enforcement, the reality on the ground may not change quickly enough for those most at risk.”
Recent data from local authorities and frontline services indicate a sustained rise in demand for homelessness support across Oxfordshire, driven by a combination of high rents, limited housing availability, and cost-of-living pressures.
Simon continued: “We see the human impact of housing insecurity every day. This Act has the potential to reduce harm, but it must be part of a broader, coordinated effort involving local government, housing providers, and community organisations.”
It will be important to listen to tenants’ voices as the new system is implemented, ensuring that reforms deliver meaningful change across both urban centres like Oxford and smaller towns and villages throughout the county.
