Michael Gove says private rented sector reform ‘will happen in 2023’

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The Housing Secretary, Michael Gove has said that the government will fast-track legislation to improve the position of people in the private rented sector (PRS) in 2023. The legislation he refers to is likely to include most, if not all, of the measures proposed in the recent Renter's Reform Bill.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Thursday (24th November) morning, the Housing Secretary admitted that tens of thousands of properties were unsafe because they had not “been looked after properly” and that a significant number were in need of repair. He also said that the government “should have moved faster” to improve things for social housing tenants in the “immediate aftermath” of the Grenfell Tower fire.

The sad case of the death of Awaab Ishak which was caused by mould at home seems to have prompted the government to act, as Gove was strongly criticised after the coroner's ruling in the tragedy.

Michael Gove said, “We know there are a significant numbers of properties, some of which were built in the 60s and 70s and are in poor condition, but some of which have been poorly maintained that simply need to be properly repaired and properly maintained.

“We’re going to be bringing forward more legislation to improve the position of people in the private rented sector. We want to make sure that people in the private rented sector are confident that local government is on their side.

"We will bring forward legislation that will give them better protection. It will come in the next calendar year, so 2023.”

He was also quizzed by Radio 4 host, Nick Robinson about the lack of new housing and admitted that the planning system wasn’t working at the moment. He added that “The story has been a significant increase in homes built over many years… The struggle never ceases we are determined to ensure that people can have safe, decent, warm homes and people can get on the housing ladder.”

Although most landlords maintain decent property portfolios, the new legislation will impact on all landlords, good, bad or indifferent. The Renter's Reform Bill proposes measures that include a landlord Ombudsman, the abolishment of section 21 'no fault' evictions and potential prison sentences for landlords foubd to be flaunting safety legislation. Although the measures should be welcomed, it will none-the-less place a greater burden on legitimate landlords to understand and meet their obligations, which could prove challengine for non-professional, amateur landlords with only one or two properties.

To find out more about the changes proposed to landlord legislation, you can download our free guide here.

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