Renters’ Rights Bill – Labour’s version of the Conservatives’ Renters (Reform) Bill
The Renters’ Rights Bill has just been published, aiming to significantly reform tenant protections in the UK. The Bill includes several key provisions to enhance the rights of tenants and regulate landlord practices.
One major aspect of the Bill is the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, which will prevent landlords from evicting tenants without just cause. Instead, landlords will need to provide valid legal grounds to repossess properties and these eviction grounds are to be expanded. This could come into play by next summer.
Further, all assured tenancies will be periodic rather than have a fixed term. Additional protections for tenants include the right to challenge above market rent increases and no unreasonable refusal to allow pets. Further, it will be unlawful for landlords to discriminate against tenants with children or those receiving benefits.
The Bill also seeks to improve housing standards by extending the Decent Homes Standard to private rentals, ensuring that homes are safe and free from hazards. This is bolstered by the application of “Awaab’s Law,” which mandates landlords to address issues like damp and mould within strict timeframes.
Another key feature is the creation of a Private Rented Sector database to help tenants make informed decisions and ensure landlords comply with legal obligations, plus a Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman to deal with tenant complaints.
The Bill envisages introducing the new tenancy system in one stage, meaning all existing tenancies will convert to the new system at that date, and any new tenancies signed on or after that date will also be governed by the new rules.
Posted on 09/09/2024 by Ortolan
