Call for the strong enforcement of the Renters’ Rights Bill

Call for the strong enforcement of the Renters’ Rights Bill

0:03 AM, 17th January 2025, About a month ago 3

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One organisation says that while changes to rental law are vital, they are only the ‘first step’ in rebalancing power in the private rented sector (PRS).

Nationwide Foundation warns that the passing of the Renters’ Rights Bill in its progress to becoming law is not enough to address the deep-seated issues facing 11 million private renters.

Its programme manager for transforming the private rented sector, Joshua Davies, emphasises the need for a robust implementation strategy.

He says: “Without a proper scheme that helps renters know and use their rights, we risk a continuation of the same system that has left millions of renters living in poor conditions.”

Confidence to challenge landlords

Mr Davies points to the limited impact of similar reforms in Scotland, where renters often remain unaware of their rights and lack the confidence to challenge landlords.

To prevent this from happening again in England, he outlines these key steps:

  • Strengthening local council enforcement: There’s a need for increased funding for local councils to effectively enforce rental regulations. He says there is inconsistency and ineffectiveness of current enforcement, urging for better data collection and collaboration between local authorities
  • Delivering a functional national landlord register: The Bill introduces a national landlord register, which Mr Davies sees as a crucial tool for supporting renters, helping landlords understand their obligations, and improving data collection on the PRS
  • Leveraging the power of devolution: He also emphasises the importance of empowering regional authorities to address local housing challenges and co-ordinate efforts to improve the PRS. Mr Davies points to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority as an example of successful regional initiatives
  • Educating and empowering renters: Mr Davies also stresses the need to address the disempowerment of renters through education campaigns, supporting renter unions and organising projects.

‘Giving renters new rights in law’

Mr Davies says: “This reform is a vital step in changing the sector for the better, but the problems with renting do not end just by giving renters new rights in law.”

He adds: “Without a proper scheme of implementation that helps renters know and use their rights, we risk a continuation of the same system that has left millions of renters living in poor conditions, without the confidence to challenge bad practice and at risk of unlawful eviction.

“Our funded research into similar tenancy reform in Scotland found that even though private rented sector law changed in Scotland seven years ago, it is having limited impact today because tenants do not know or use their rights and can’t get help when they need it.

“We can’t let this happen again.”


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Cider Drinker

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10:00 AM, 17th January 2025, About a month ago

More pressure for landlords to sell to first time buyers.

Peter Merrick

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22:00 PM, 17th January 2025, About a month ago

With increasing scarcity of supply comes increasing power. Only the best of the best will be able to rent what little is available.

Those that misbehave run the very real risk of being totally shut out of the rental market, unlike in the olden days when you could always find another landlord willing to take the risk and give you a second chance.

Duncan Forbes

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10:16 AM, 20th January 2025, About 4 weeks ago

I would not let a room now little own a house now for fear of a sitting tenant not paying claiming all sorts of rights so not great for homeless persons !!

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