July’s King’s Speech saw the announcement of Labour’s new Renters’ Rights Bill – its version of the Renter (Reform) Bill that had been in consideration under the Conservatives, but which was scrapped once a general election was called in June.
Details are still thin on the ground with more detail expected later this year. However, the aim of the bill is similar to that of the Conservatives reform. This includes giving additional rights to tenants surrounding rent rises, unfair evictions and a right to have pets within a property.
Although it may seem biased towards tenants the aim is to provide clearer assurance to landlords, as well as drive up confidence in the private rented sector by stamping out unfair practises.
Enhanced tenant protection
The principle aim of the bill will be to offer enhanced tenant protection against landlords evicting them unfairly. This will be through the abolishment of Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 under which a landlord can evict a tenant with no reason. The promise was a key component of Labour’s manifesto with claims that the practice would end immediately on gaining power, but no timescale has yet been given.
The bill will also aim to improve the quality of homes provided by landlords with particular attention paid to hazards such as damp and mould through the implementation of ‘Awaabs Law’. This aims to set clear timeframes in which landlords must make homes safe.
Adjustments to eviction processes
The grounds for possession will also be reformed, giving landlords robust grounds when there is good reason for them to take their property back. This will aim to make the process clearer for both landlord and tenant, as well as rebalance the power lost by landlords through the abolishment of Section 21.
Rent control measures
The government is planning better rent control measures to stamp out unfair rent increases, particularly when they are done to force tenants out. It is also taking action against those landlords and letting agents who try to pitch renters against each other in bidding wars to force up rent prices.
Ending discrimination against children, pets and those on benefits
The government wants to make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants because they receive benefits or have children. Tenants will also have the ability to make a request to keep a pet and to be not unreasonably refused, although landlords will be able to ask the tenant to pay for specific insurance to cover potential damage if necessary.
It is expected that the Bill will be introduced in the Autumn when further details will be published.
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