Renters Reform Bill introduced to Parliament today
No-fault evictions to be banned in reform of rental sector.
The Government's long promised Renters Reform Bill legislation is due to be introduced to the UK Parliament today. The legislation is expected to implement many of the measures that the Government included in its ‘A Fairer Private Rented Sector’ White Paper that was published in June 2022.
The three main areas it focussed on were:
- Abolishment of Section 21 evictions and deliver a simpler tenancy structure with reformed grounds for possession
- Establish a new Ombudsman covering all private landlords to improve dispute resolution
- Introduce better compliance and robust enforcement through a new Property Portal
Secretary for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said "Too many renters are living in damp, unsafe, cold homes, powerless to put things right, and with the threat of sudden eviction hanging over them.
"This government is determined to tackle these injustices by offering a new deal to those living in the Private Rented Sector; one with quality, affordability, and fairness at its heart.
"Our new laws introduced to Parliament today will support the vast majority of responsible landlords who provide quality homes to their tenants, while delivering our manifesto commitment to abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.
"This will ensure that everyone can live somewhere which is decent, safe and secure – a place they’re truly proud to call home."
Some of the measures the UK Government want to introduce remain under review. This includes a ban on ‘No DSS’ practices and the Decent Homes Standard. Additional secondary legislation will be required to introduce these areas at a later date.
Housing campaigners have campaigned extensively for tenants to be given the right to a safe, secure and affordable homes, free from arbitrary evictions and escalating rent increases. However, landlords have expressed concern that the bill is 'anti-landlord' and could force more landlords out of the market and reduce the supply of rental properties. It remains to be seen how balanced the legislation ends up becoming.
How does the bill go through parliament?
When it is introduced to Parliament, the Renters Reform Bill will be published in full, which is known as ‘first Reading’. It is also the first stage of a Bill's passage through Parliament. The next step is Second Reading, which is the first opportunity for MPs to debate the general principles and themes of the Bill. This is expected to take place week commencing 5 June 2023.
We have produced a guide to the proposed Renters Reform Bill, which you can download by clicking here.
If you have any questions or concerns about the new Renters Reform Bill, or are interested in any of our lettings and property management services, please contact us via our contact form or call 0161 511 5339.
