Rental sector set for big change?
After the Renters (Reform) Bill fell casualty to the general election in the summer, the new government has wasted no time in bringing a fresh attempt at reform to the table with the Renters’ Rights Bill.
The key headliner: back once again, abolition of so-called ‘no fault’ Section 21 evictions – a move bound to be popular with tenants and less so with landlords. In their place an apparent reform of the other grounds for repossession suggests a clearer route to an eviction, if the landlord has the right.
Rental ‘gazumping’ also looks to be on the chopping board – allowing tenants to rent properties at the advertised price without fear of bidding wars escalating their rent beyond affordable levels.
Awaab’s Law looks set for introduction, cracking down on unsafe rental properties .
Strengthened tenant rights to request a pet in their property have been lined up, and discrimination against prospective tenants on the grounds of their children or benefits status is also set to be prohibited.
This appears a more pro-tenant change than the previous effort. Additional regulation around discrimination and safety should be welcomed by all, but otherwise the Bill naturally offers more to tenants than landlords.
From a practitioner’s point of view the law has yet to change and this Bill is a first draft only.
While it would be foolish to second-guess exactly what the final article will look like, this demonstrates a statement of intent that law in the rental sector is set to change – and soon.
Landlord and Tenant Department
