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15 April 2026
Issue: 8157 / Categories: Legal News , Landlord&tenant , Local authority , Housing
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Council duties change following Renters’ Rights Act

Local authorities will be legally obliged to make sure landlords are complying with the Renters’ Rights Act 2026 protections for private renters from 1 May

They will have a duty to enforce bans on rental bidding wars, ‘no-fault’ eviction and discrimination against tenants with children or tenants receiving benefits.

Housing secretary Steve Reed said councils will receive £41m extra funds as well as training to ease them into their new role.

Tenants will be able to challenge offences within the past two years, with landlords in breach expected to comply with rent repayment orders of up to two years’ worth of rent.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau strengthens Sheffield regulatory practice with new hires

Sackers—Louise McRae & Annabella Hwang

Sackers—Louise McRae & Annabella Hwang

Sackers recruits new associates

McHale & Co—Shaun Little & Patrick Byrne

McHale & Co—Shaun Little & Patrick Byrne

Firm bolsters senior team with head of corporate and head of employment

NEWS
A wide-ranging Civil Way column highlights developments from insolvency procedure to employment law, but one case stands out for its lessons on bankruptcy, family homes and digital communications
A sprawling Intellectual Property Office battle between House of Fraser and Frasers Property has delivered a masterclass in modern trade mark law
Courts in England and Wales and Singapore are increasingly confronting complex disputes over international child relocation as families become more globally mobile
The government’s long-awaited family law reform consultation could mark a turning point for domestic abuse victims navigating financial remedy proceedings, but significant challenges remain
A new commercial court pilot giving the public access to documents used in hearings, including expert reports, is raising difficult questions about transparency and privacy
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