Over 1.2 million renters have received a Section 21 eviction as majority welcome Renters’ Rights Act

11 December 2025

  • Research commissioned by Co-op Insurance reveals that over 1.2 million (11%) renters have received a Section 21 (no fault) eviction.*
  • The member-owned business also found that over three-quarters (76%) believe that the Renters Rights’ Act will improve the experience of private renting.
  • Meanwhile, nearly a quarter of renters (24%) expect to stay in rented accommodation forever.
  • However, over two-fifths (44%) don’t have any form of insurance for their rented home, despite the average worth of valuables totalling more than £4,500.

Research commissioned by Co-op Insurance reveals that over 1.2 million (11%) renters have received a Section 21 (no fault) eviction.

The Renters’ Rights Act, which was recently passed will end Section 21 evictions in England, which means a landlord will not be able to sell or move into a property during the first 12 months after a tenancy commences and thereafter, they’ll need to ensure that they give four months’ notice. **

The findings also revealed that over three-quarters (76%) of renters believe that the bill will improve the experience of private renting. However, more than one in seven (15%) admitted that they were not at all aware of the Renters’ Rights Act and what it entailed.

Pertinently, nearly a quarter (24%) of renters expect to stay in rented accommodation forever, which further highlights the importance of legislation that will protect renters.

Further to this, since May 2024, the average amount of time that those who are renting expect to remain in rented accommodation for has increased by 17% to over four years.***

Meanwhile, the act also gives tenants the right to request a pet and prevents landlords from unreasonably refusing a pet request, and additional findings from the member owned business revealed that half (50%) of renters already have a pet.

Indeed, over two-fifths (45%) of renters admit that their landlord had allowed them to have a pet, whilst almost 5% have one despite their landlord refusing.

Concerningly, however, a significant proportion of renters are leaving themselves financially vulnerable as more than two-fifths (44%) admit that they don’t have any form of insurance for their rented home, with a fifth (20%) unaware that they needed it.

This is despite one in eight (12%) valuing the total worth of their contents at £9,000 or more and the average total content valuation being over £4,500. Yet, in the event of theft or damage, the average maximum amount that renters can afford to spend to replace their contents without taking on any debt is just over £2,000, with less than 5% able to spend more than £9,000 on replacing items.

Co-op Insurance is therefore encouraging those who are renting to consider obtaining renters insurance so that they can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their items will be protected.

Andrew Nevitt, Head of Renters at Co-op Insurance said:

“The introduction of the new Renters’ Rights Act puts an end to no fault evictions, which we hope will serve to improve the experience of private renting

“Our research suggests that a large proportion of renters expect to always remain in privately rented accommodation and therefore it’s important there are adequate protections in place.

“However, it’s concerning that many renters are leaving themselves financially vulnerable by not having insurance in place to protect their valuables and items.

“We’re therefore encouraging those who are renting to ensure that they have cover, such as renters’ insurance, in place, which can protect their items and provide them with invaluable peace of mind.”

Co-op Insurance offers renters insurance, in partnership with Urban Jungle insurance, which provides renters with better value and protection. The product is designed to protect personal belongings instead of the property and with a range of add-ons, it can be tailored to suit the needs of the tenant. It also provides more flexibility, allowing you to only pay for the months you actually need cover for. Co-op members can save 5% when they take out renters insurance.

Find out more about Co-op Renters Insurance

ENDS

Research based on survey of 2,000 renters in the UK commissioned by Co-op Insurance and conducted by Opinion Matters.

** Section 21 already does not apply in Scotland and Wales

*** Compared to previous research commissioned by Co-op Insurance, carried out in May 2024 by Opinion Matters. 3.62 v 4.22 years – excludes those who’ve stated they expect to live in rented accommodation forever.

About Co-op

Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by 7 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.