Petition · Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Make it a criminal offence if tenants don't pay rent

Open for signatures 3,181 signatures

What the petition asks

Tenants who refuse to pay rent should be made to face criminal charges similar to theft.
Some tenants deliberately stop paying rent, costing landlords thousands of pounds and this has to stop.

The Renters Rights Act has given so much more power to tenants and, and we believe landlords have very little recourse nowadays.

We believe landlords need some sort of balance.

Timeline

28 May 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 3,181
Status Open for signatures
Department Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Opened 28 May 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.