The Renters’ Rights Bill was presented to Parliament for its first reading on 11th September and is set to usher in significant changes for tenants and landlords across the country if it becomes law. This new bill replaces the Conservative Party’s Renters (Reform) Bill which was shelved in May prior to July’s General Election.
The said purpose of the bill is to ‘transform the experience of private renting’ by maximising renters’ rights and protection so they can build lives in their communities, remain longer in their homes, and avoid homelessness. The bill will overhaul the Private Rented Sector (PRS), transforming rights for the 11 million private tenants in England. Key elements include:
- Abolishing Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions: Removing the threat of arbitrary evictions and increasing tenant security. New clear and expanded possession grounds will be introduced so landlords can reclaim their properties when they need to.
- Creating a PRS database for landlords, tenants, and councils: Tenants will be able to access information enabling them to make informed choices when entering new tenancies, whilst landlords will be able to quickly understand their obligations and demonstrate compliance.
- A new ombudsman to support quicker dispute resolution and avoid court: Supporting quicker, cheaper resolution when there are disputes, preventing them escalating to costly court proceedings.
- Strengthening tenants’ rights to request a pet: Landlords must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse the request of a pet. They will, however, be able to insist on insurance to cover potential damage to their property.
- Applying the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS: Will ensure that homes are safe, secure and hazard-free, tackling the blight of poor-quality homes.
- Applying Awaab’s Law*: Sets clear legal expectations about the timeframes within which landlords in the private sector must make homes safe where they contain serious hazards.
- Making discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children illegal: No person or family is discriminated against when looking for a place to live.
- Strengthening local councils’ enforcement powers: New investigatory powers will make it easier for councils to identify and fine unscrupulous landlords and drive bad actors out of the sector.
Evictions still remain a point of debate
The most widely talked about section of the bill so far is the abolishment of Section 21 evictions. Whilst the fundamental premise behind this is the provision of greater security for the tenant, it does specify that landlords ‘must enjoy robust grounds for possession where there is good reason to take their property back’ and so the bill does clarify and expand what these grounds are.
The bill is set to return to parliament on 9th October for its second reading.
*Awaab's Law, named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died from exposure to mould in his socially rented home, requires social landlords to fix damp and mould within strict time limits in rented accommodation.
Further information:
Guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
