Our reaction to the latest Renters’ Reform Bill news
This long-awaited legislation has finally been introduced to parliament, more than four years after the government pledged to abolish Section 21 evictions. But what does the latest update mean for landlords & tenants?
Ministers published rental reform white paper in the summer of 2022, however as we have had six different housing ministers since 2021, draft legislation has only now been presented to parliament for debate. Although it is still unclear if and when this legislation will come into law, it is still something that landlords should be aware of.
The key areas of the Bill include:
- No fault eviction abolished, all tenancies to move to periodic
- Introduce more possession grounds where tenants are at fault, for example in cases of anti-social behaviour and repeat rent arrears
- Provide stronger protections against retaliatory evictions
- Introduce a new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman to reduce pressure on the courts
- Create a Portal for landlords and tenants to understand responsibilities and obligations
- Give tenants the right to request a pet in the property. Landlords will be able to require pet insurance to cover any damage to their property
Our Regional Lettings Director, Jess Haskins said:
"There are certainly parts of the Bill to be celebrated. It will push some landlords to raise the standards of their properties to ensure better quality housing with the appointment of a new Ombudsman also raising standards by driving the minority of rogue landlords out of the private rental sector. But while the Bill itself looks fair, Government must not lose sight of the mounting pressure landlords face through interest rate rises, tax increases and the need for certainty over increased EPC requirements. Landlords must have the means and incentives to stay in the private rental sector. As long as they can get the balance right for both landlords and tenants, I believe there are many positives to come out of these new regulations for the industry."
If you would like to speak to our lettings team about the legislation or any compliance matters relating to your property please get in touch.
