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Controversial Renters Reform Bill to be published next week – possibly
2:29 PM, 4th May 2023, 3 years ago
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The long-awaited Renters’ Reform Bill which could lead to a massive shake-up of the private rented sector (PRS) is set to be published next week.
However, there is no confirmed date and no mention of it in the Parliamentary timetable for next week.
And the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities could not confirm a specific date or time for the Bill’s publication to Property118 because of the King’s Coronation this weekend. However, it was confirmed that the Bill will be published.
The Bill is set to include a wide range of reforms for the PRS and is expected to include scrapping Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and giving all tenants the right to request a pet in their home.
It was first announced by the government in April 2019 and in June 2022, the government published a white paper, A Fairer Private Rented Sector, which outlined some of the reforms.
‘Better protected against arbitrary rent increases’
On Sky News, housing secretary Michael Gove confirmed the Bill will be published next week.
He said: “The Renters Reform Bill will change the way in which the relationship between landlords and tenants work, providing tenants with new protection which should ensure they are better protected against arbitrary rent increases.”
However, there is nothing currently scheduled for next week’s Parliamentary timetable.
‘Much-needed clarity for letting agents and landlords’
In response to the news, Ben Beadle, the chief executive of the National Residential Landlords’ Association (NRLA) posted on Twitter: “As expected, the Renters Reform Bill will be published next week. Confirmed by the Secretary of State this morning. Should be an interesting week.”
Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns, at Propertymark, said: “This announcement and the long-awaited introduction of legislation from the UK Government to reform the private rented sector in England will help bring much-needed clarity for letting agents and their landlords.
“The Legislation is likely to focus on improving standards and the quality of property in the sector so Propertymark will be scrutinising the proposals, pushing for amendments where necessary and championing the role of letting agents to ensure the reforms are workable and fit for purpose.”
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Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1996 - Articles: 21
2:51 PM, 4th May 2023, About 3 years ago
Landlords who may have been deliberating about whether to serve a s21 notice should now bring forward their decision.
“Anti social” (in the colloquial sense) tenants will be much harder to manage and evict without s21 or the threat of it. Indeed, getting rid of s21 may lead to worse behaviour because the malefactor will know that he or she will be allowed their day in court (in umpteen months’ time) and their victim may have moved out in the meantime and/or be unwilling to give evidence against them. Landlords, especially HMO landlords, would do well to serve notice on their problem tenants now.
Member Since June 2014 - Comments: 1562
6:40 PM, 4th May 2023, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 04/05/2023 – 14:51
Yep, ASB is the second biggest reason for “No Fault” evictions.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
1:39 AM, 5th May 2023, About 3 years ago
Can I just get this clear in my own head…if the bill comes in then does that outlaw the issuing of S21’s immediately from that day forth?
Member Since May 2022 - Comments: 12
10:39 AM, 5th May 2023, About 3 years ago
Despite all the noises off , LL still hold the ultimate sanction sell up and move on to something else. After all this is what the government want , and will all the regs apply to councils and housing associations I have doubts
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1996 - Articles: 21
11:03 AM, 5th May 2023, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by DSR at 05/05/2023 – 01:39
We will have to wait until it is published but I would expect s21 to be banned only when the Act is passed in a few months’ time.
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
11:16 AM, 5th May 2023, About 3 years ago
If you want to sell post Section 21 you won’t obviously be able to ask your tenant to leave. You will need to issue a notice (like current
Section 8) saying they can stay in their home and that you are applying to the Court. The white paper showed selling up is a discretionary ground so you will need to get on bended knee and persuade a Judge to agree with your reasons for selling and hope he adjudicates in your favour. Whatever happens you’ve got Court costs (and eviction specialist fees if you use them) to pay whether he agrees to you selling up or not. So issuing Section 21 now is so important don’t delay. God only knows what effect this is going to have on rental house prices as all tenancies will be assured similar to pre Thatcher days.
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 7
12:10 PM, 5th May 2023, About 3 years ago
So, when S21 is abolished, and their is no ASB. How do you get your property back from a renter, say you want to sell it?
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
12:31 PM, 5th May 2023, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Ashley at 05/05/2023 – 12:10
Issue a Section 8 notice informing your tenant that you are applying to the Court to persuade a Judge to issue an order to allow you to obtain possession and sell. Good look with this as it will cost you and the Courts which are already at breaking point will take forever to deal with your (low priority) application.
Member Since May 2018 - Comments: 1999
12:41 PM, 5th May 2023, About 3 years ago
Presumably you can still get your house back if you need it for family members to move in.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
2:15 PM, 5th May 2023, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 05/05/2023 – 11:03
sorry to brain pick…
so after publication, next stage is Act passed then ban comes into play?.. Would this be applicable from the day the act is passed then, so no further S21 can be issued from this point onward regardless of the TA?