The Housing Committee of the Greater London Authority Council met on Tuesday 20 January 2026 to discuss the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act and the council's work programme. The meeting also included the noting of outstanding actions from previous meetings and the confirmation of minutes.

Implementing and Monitoring the Renters' Rights Act in London - Part 1

The committee was scheduled to discuss the implementation and monitoring of the Renters' Rights Act in London. This Act, which received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, aims to provide greater security and stability for renters. The report pack outlined key measures within the Act, including the abolition of section 21 'no-fault' evictions, the introduction of periodic tenancies, changes to rent increase procedures, and the extension of the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab's Law to the private rented sector. The Act also establishes a new private rented sector Ombudsman and a landlord database.

The report highlighted that local authorities will be able to issue civil penalties for non-compliance and retain revenue for enforcement. While the Government stated it would fully fund additional duties on local government, concerns were raised by organisations like Shelter about the adequacy of this funding given stretched council budgets. The report detailed the phased implementation of the Act's measures, with new enforcement powers coming into effect in December 2025, followed by tenancy reforms in May 2026, and the landlord database in late 2026. No date has yet been set for Awaab's Law and the Decent Homes Standard, which will be subject to consultation.

The committee was scheduled to consider how the Act's measures can be implemented and adhered to in London, the challenges local authorities may face in monitoring and enforcing these measures, and the extent to which renters and landlords understand their new rights and responsibilities. Discussions were also planned on what actions the Mayor of London could take to adapt his work on the private rented sector, support local authorities in implementation and enforcement, and monitor the Act's impact on the wider London housing market. The meeting was scheduled to hear from two panels of guests, including representatives from Generation Rent, ACORN, the London Renters Union, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), and housing officers from the London Borough of Ealing, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Housing Committee Work Programme

The committee was also scheduled to review its work programme. The report indicated that the programme is designed to enable the committee to effectively hold the Mayor to account, examine and report on housing matters in London, and scrutinise the Mayor's Housing Strategy. The work programme involves various activities, including meetings with the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development and other stakeholders, site visits, written consultations, and round table meetings. The committee's meeting dates for the upcoming year were noted, with the next meeting scheduled for 9 February 2026.

Declarations of Interests and Minutes

As is standard practice, the committee was scheduled to note the list of offices held by Assembly Members as disclosable pecuniary interests, and any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests or other relevant interests made by members regarding specific agenda items. The minutes of the previous meetings held on 25 November 2025 and 17 December 2025 were also scheduled for confirmation.

Summary List of Actions

The committee was to receive an update on outstanding actions arising from previous meetings and any additional correspondence received. This included noting actions related to the Housing Committee's discussions on social housing allocations, affordable housing delivery, and leasehold and service charges. Specific actions noted were requests for data on the Housing Moves and Seaside & Country Homes schemes, and the delegation of authority to the Chair to agree any output from discussions. Additional evidence submitted by the Centre for London, an Independent Housing Consultant, and a Professor from King's College London following the 17 December 2025 meeting was also to be noted.