May

BREAKING: Renters (Reform) Bill to get first airing after PMQs today

admin

The Government is to finally introduce its long-delayed renting reforms into parliament later today following Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) in the Commons.

The Bill, which is to be called the Renters (Reform) Bill, will get its first reading just after lunchtime and, it is understood, a draft version of the full Bill will be released soon afterwards.

Looking at the official announcement this morning ahead of the parliamentary action, it’s clear that almost all of the measures outlined within the Fairer Renting white paper will be included.

Described as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity to reform the private rented sector, Ministers are keen to present the Bill as giving both renters and landlords more certainty particularly given Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions are to be abolished.

Recover properties

They believe the beefed-up Section 8 notice process will make it easier for landlords to recover properties when they need to – so they can sell their property if they want to, move in a close family member, or when tenants wilfully do not pay rent.

Notice periods will also be reduced where tenants have been irresponsible – for example breaching their tenancy agreement or causing damage to the property.

As announced previously, the reforms will “strengthen powers to evict anti-social tenants, broadening the disruptive and harmful activities that can lead to eviction and making it quicker to evict a tenant acting anti-socially”.

Other key measures already announced in the consultation and white paper include a:

reformed courts process;
new Ombudsman;
requirement for landlords to consider pets in their property plus a new ‘pet insurance’ provision;
digital Property Portal;
new Decent Homes Standard;
promise to prevent agents and landlords applying ‘blanket bans’ on DSS tenants;
commitment to greater enforcement powers for councils.

Housing Secretary Michael Gove (pictured) says: “Our new laws introduced to Parliament today will support most responsible landlords who provide quality homes to their tenants, while delivering our manifesto commitment to abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.

“This will ensure that everyone can live somewhere which is decent, safe and secure – a place they’re truly proud to call home.”

Reaction

Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association

“Responsible landlords need to be confident that when Section 21 ends, where they have a legitimate reason, they will be able to repossess their properties as quickly as possible,” he says.

“Without this assurance, the Bill will only exacerbate the rental housing supply crisis many tenants now face.

“Whilst we welcome the Government’s pledge to ensure landlords can effectively recover properties from anti-social tenants and those failing to pay rent, more detail is needed if the Bill is going to work as intended.

“Ministers must develop a plan to improve the speed and efficiency with which the courts process possession claims.

“Although the Government has accepted NRLA calls to digitise cases, staff numbers need to increase in the court system as well to meet the needs of these reforms.

“Likewise, the Government must recognise the serious concerns of landlords letting to students about open ended tenancies.

“Without the ability to plan around the academic year, students will have no certainty that properties will be available to rent when they need them.

“We will continue to work with the Government, MPs and Peers to ensure the Bill workable and fair to both responsible landlords and tenants.”

Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns, Propertymark

“Reforms to the private rented sector in England have been long awaited and the Bill will bring much needed clarity to letting agents, their landlords and tenants.

“Propertymark will support the UK Government to ensure the specific details work in practice for those on the ground, whilst providing both security and fairness for both parties of the rental agreement.

“It is also important implementation is well planned and managed as these reforms are significant for the sector.”

Dan Wilson Craw, Acting Director, Generation Rent