Renters Reform Bill is delayed – again

In news that will not surprise anyone, the government has revealed that ‘procedural issues’ have delayed the publication of the Renters Reform Bill that is poised to shake up the private rented sector, the Mirror reveals.

It is now more than four years since the government first unveiled its plans to improve renters’ rights – including the abolition of section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.

And Michael Gove, the secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, revealed last week that the new Bill would be published this week.

But Property118 highlighted that there was no gap in the Parliamentary timetable for this to happen.

Appeared to throw the Cabinet minister under the bus

When we called the Department for Levelling Up to find out what was happening, a spokesperson confirmed that Mr Gove did say that the Bill would make an appearance this week – and then appeared to throw the Cabinet minister under the bus for his announcement on Sky News.

They said that there was no date scheduled for the Bill’s publication – but it would be published.

Now Labour MP Lisa Nandy says the Conservates must ‘not backtrack’ over the long-awaited reforms.

‘Do not backtrack on the promises you have made’

The Shadow Housing Secretary told the Mirror: “Our message to the government is clear, do not backtrack on the promises you have made, do not drop any commitments, do not roll over to your backbenchers again.”

Labour is using the non-appearance of the Bill to flag up once again its aims to deliver a renter reform charter that will beef up tenants’ rights if it gets into government.

Ms Nandy said: “We will tilt the balance of power with powerful new rights and protections for tenants, including longer notice periods, a ban on no-fault evictions and the right to make changes to your home.”

‘Committed to delivering a fairer deal for renters’

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesman told the Mirror: “We are absolutely committed to delivering a fairer deal for renters.

“We will bring forward legislation very shortly, which will include a ban on ‘no fault’ evictions, so that all tenants have greater security in their homes and are empowered to challenge poor conditions.

“We are also introducing a Decent Homes Standard for the Private Rented Sector for the first time ever which will make sure privately rented homes are safe and decent.”