Renters' Rights Act: Bedford council fails to answer questions on impact on homelessness

In a statement published on its website (May 7, 2026), Bedford Borough Council said the first phase of the Government’s Renters’ Rights Act came into force on Friday, May 1.

The council said changes include abolishing Section 21 eviction notices so that landlords can no longer evict tenants without a legal reason, a ban on fixed-term tenancy contracts, and rent increases being limited to once a year.

A council spokesperson said: “The new legislation is changing private tenancy renters’ rights not just in the borough, but across the country.

“Renting is changing and we’re here to help renters and landlords alike. Visit our website to learn more about these important changes and understand how it will affect your tenancy.”

But the council has not responded to repeated questions from the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) asking whether it had seen any increase in approaches linked to private sector evictions ahead of the changes.

Questions first sent on March 30 also asked:

• How many households are currently in temporary accommodation
• How that compares to the same point last year
• Whether the council anticipated any short-term impact on homelessness presentations ahead of the reforms
• What impact it expected the legislation to have locally in the short and longer term

The council was chased for comment on April 8 and April 21, and again before publication, but did not respond or acknowledge the requests.

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces major changes to the private rented sector, including the abolition of Section 21 “no fault” eviction notices and changes to tenancy rules, rent increases and tenant protections.

Bedford Borough Council said the remaining parts of the legislation will follow in two further stages during 2026 and 2027.