Thanet District Council is inviting local people to a drop-in event to find out about new rights for tenants. The session is specifically for people who rent their home from a private landlord.
The drop-in will happen on Monday 22 June 2026 between 1pm and 4pm at Thanet Gateway, Cecil Street, Margate. Places are free, and there is no need to book.
The council’s Private Sector Housing team is hosting the event to ensure local communities know how the new Renters’ Rights Act affects them directly. Representatives from the team will be there throughout the afternoon to answer questions.
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a sweeping package of reforms designed to improve the private rented sector for England’s 11 million private tenants. Key changes came into effect on Friday 1 May 2026, and include:
- A complete ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, ensuring landlords must provide a legally valid reason to end a tenancy.
- An end to fixed-term contracts.
- Landlords can only increase rent once per year, and tenants can challenge unfair increases.
- Rules banning discrimination against prospective tenants who receive welfare benefits or have children.
- Tenants being allowed to keep a pet in their home, which landlords can’t refuse without a valid reason.
Councillor Helen Whitehead, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Safe, stable, and secure housing is the absolute foundation of a healthy life and a thriving community. For many Thanet residents, access to reliable private housing has been impossible, with those needing private housing facing the fear of Section 21 evictions for no given reason, and the deep instability caused by the potential for unfair rent increases.
“These landmark legislative changes are a vital shift in balancing rights, giving our residents the protection they need to put down roots and build futures right here in Thanet.
“This drop-in event has been arranged so that local renters can speak directly with our expert team, understand what they are entitled to under the new law, and learn how to raise concerns or navigate complaints.
“I strongly encourage anyone currently renting privately in the district to come along and speak to the team; we are here to help.”
Anyone unable to attend can find further information on the Act and the support available from the Private Sector Housing team on the website.
Thanet District Council continues to update its digital services to protect and support local tenants. This includes updating the website to include dedicated tenant-focused advice, including simpler reporting mechanisms for housing issues and landlord complaints.
