Controversial Renters Reform Bill to be published next week – possibly

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.”