While only briefly mentioned in the King’s Speech, the government has now revealed more details of the Renters’ Rights Bill. The Bill will overhaul the private rented sector in England, with some elements also applicable to Wales.
Labour’s election manifesto promised to immediately banish no-fault evictions, but this hasn’t happened. Instead, no-fault evictions will be abolished under the Bill with no changes likely until autumn 2024 at the earliest.
The government has promised expanded possession grounds for landlords to reclaim property, but this won’t help when repossession involves a lengthy court process. This is likely to mean that the requirement for a rent guarantor will become more widespread.
Changes include:
- Tenants will be given the power to challenge a rent increase if it is a means to eviction.
- Landlords will not be able to unreasonably refuse a tenant having a pet. This is an important issue for many landlords, because it can subsequently be difficult to relet a property where there has been a pet. Even though landlords will be able to request pet insurance, this is unlikely to be a satisfactory solution.
- Landlords will have to fix damp and mould issues within strict time limits – known as ‘Awaab’s Law’. There will be clear legal expectations about the period within which homes must be made safe from serious hazards.
- Landlords will not be able to discriminate against tenants who receive benefits or have children.
- The practice of rental bidding wars by landlords and letting agents will be stopped, although this practice seems much less prevalent than the government thinks.
Although many of the changes will be unwelcome, Scottish and Welsh landlords have seen more radical measures introduced in favour of tenants. There is also no mention of rent controls.
The government’s background briefing on the Renters’ Rights Bill can be found here starting at page 68.
