By Kim Samuel

After years of delay and a change of Government, this week saw Parliament finally pass the Renters’ Rights Bill, so it has now become law, at last giving private renters much-needed protections from unscrupulous landlords.

The Renters' Rights Act provides assurance to renters, abolishing "no-fault" evictions, reforming tenancy agreements, and introducing new protections against discrimination.

Much has been said in the past few days against the Act — critics warn it could drive landlords from the market, reduce the supply of rental homes, and make letting more costly or complex.

Yet these arguments, while highlighting legitimate implementation challenges, also underline why the Bill matters for belonging. It recognises that housing is not just an economic transaction but the foundation of security, stability, and connection.

Because the Renters’ Rights Bill is not only housing reform, it is belonging reform. In a country where too many people feel cut off from their neighbours and unsure of their footing, the home is the first rung on the ladder to connection. The Belonging Forum’s

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