Renters’ Rights Bill could be announced as soon as next week
Details of Labour’s new Renters’ Rights Bill could be published as soon as next week, with sources close to the Government claiming an announcement is imminent.
The Government announced plans to overhaul the way the PRS operates in the King's Speech, earlier this summer; reiterating its commitment to ending Section 21 – so-called ‘no fault’ repossessions – ending rental bidding wars and improving safety and standards in rental homes.
The new Bill is expected to mirror some of the previous administration’s commitments as outlined in the Renters (Reform) Bill, which fell at the final hurdle when the election was called in May.
Proposals for change were first announced back in 2019, and the NRLA is encouraging the Government to publish the details of its latest reform plans sooner rather than later, so that detailed discussions can begin as to how they could work in practice.
NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle said: “Plans to reform the private rented sector have been on the table for over five years now.
“Above all, renters and landlords need certainty about what the future looks like. Whilst we await the precise details of the Bill, it is vital that it works and is fair to both tenants and landlords.”
Robust possession grounds
Ben said the association agrees – in principle – with some of the proposals that have already been made public, while stressing the need for robust possession grounds to give landlords the confidence to remain in the sector and protect the supply of homes to let.
This comes as property portal Rightmove revealed that a record number of former rentals are now up for sale with an average of 15 households now competing for every available home to let.
He added: “Plans for a decent homes standard for the sector and an Ombudsman service will be important in ensuring every landlord does what the majority already do, namely provide decent housing and a good service to their tenants.
“However, this needs to be backed up by ensuring councils have the resources to properly enforce these measures.
“More broadly, the end of section 21 will leave the courts needing to hear possession claims where landlords have a legitimate reason.
As the cross-party Housing Select Committee has warned, without reforms to ensure the courts process cases much more swiftly, they risk becoming overwhelmed which will not serve the interests of tenants or landlords seeking justice.
“The grounds for possession will need to be clear, comprehensive and workable in cases of tenant anti-social behaviour, serious rent arrears or where landlords plan to sell properties among others.”
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More information
- Keep an eye on our news site and social media channels for the very latest on the new Bill.
- To visit the NRLA’s Renters’ Right Bill hub click here.
- NRLA policy and campaigns team is runnng an exclusive member webinar on 19 September which, subject to publication of the Bill, will take a deep dive into the detail - and what happens next - with insight from NRLA CEO Ben Beadle and other industry experts. You are encouraged to submit any questions to [email protected] and can book your free place by clicking here.
