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May Round-Up: Challenging Rent Increases and Evictions
What an exciting month this has been for renters and for our union! On May 1st, the Renters Rights Act came into effect, finally bringing an end to Section 21 “no fault” evictions as well as a host of other changes to improve the lives of renters. You can find out more about your new rights here.
May has also meant the launch of our Resisting Rent Increases campaign. Thanks to the new law changes, it is now easier than ever to challenge your rent increase when it comes. It can take between 6 – 9 months for a decision on a rent increase dispute and in that time, you continue paying your current rent. Even if your rent does increase after the dispute process, this increase will not be backdated, meaning you could save hundreds of pounds! We’re asking renters in Oxford to pledge to dispute their rent increase – and we’ll help you every step of the way. You can find out more and register your interest here.
“While our wages stagnate, why should landlords expect a yearly pay rise?”; “Rent increase? Let’s dispute it!” – these were just some of the mottos Oxford Renters Union took to the streets with on May 2nd, when we joined the march to celebrate International Workers Day. Sporting homemade ORU T-shirts and placards designed by our members, we came out in numbers to march through the streets of Oxford and distribute flyers informing members of the public about their new rights and encouraging them to pledge with us.
It is sadly no surprise that many landlords have been selfishly scrambling to issue section 21 notices in the weeks leading up to the law changes. April saw a huge uptick in eviction notices that have blindsided renters across the country, and Oxford is no different. In our All Members’ Meeting this month, we received timely training in eviction resistance so that we can be prepared to stand up for our members against bailiffs. We’ve also been reviewing documents and notices, accompanying members to meetings with estate agents and landlords and planning next steps with members who are under threat of eviction. If you received a section 21 notice just before May 1st and want to discuss your options, become a member today and get in touch at admin@oxfordrentersunion.org.uk!
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Resisting Rent Increases: taking power back with the Renters’ rights Act
From 1st May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act comes into power, giving tenants new rights and introducing new rules for private landlords.
These new rules are empowering for renters, and we will be using them to challenge unfair treatment from landlords. Check out our latest campaign here
This information sheet explains how the new rules may affect your current tenancy. These changes only affect you if you are a tenant in the private rented sector with an assured or assured shorthold tenancy. If you live in social housing or you are a lodger, the new rules will not usually apply to you.
These rules have been introduced by law. Your landlord cannot put anything into a tenancy agreement to change them.
We are using these new powers to resist rent increases. Join us.
Even if you are not facing a rent increase. Even if your proposed rent increase is minimal. Resist. Resist on principal. Resist for the others in your community who can barely afford their groceries. Resist because landlords simply do not need and do not deserve another pay rise by leeching off of our hard work. Our labour should not be their pocket money.
For more information, and to pledge, click here!
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Our time at the National Housing Demonstration
ORU members marched with over 80 unions and campaign organisers on the 18th to say NO MORE. No more giving over half of our paycheck to parasitic landlords, no more to mould filling our lungs, no more struggling to scrape by whilst the rich feed off of us and get richer. Rent controls now!
The march was the first of its kind in over a decade, with thousands taking to the streets in a show of force.
watch our video to check out what it was like, and get the inside scoop on when our new campaign is launching!
