The Renters Reform Bill – what we know so far

The government has released its long-awaited white paper on the Renters Reform Bill. While policies such as tenants’ right to have pets grabbed many headlines, the real nitty gritty of the proposed reforms has the potential to transform the entire English rental system with massive implications for tenants and landlords alike.

The Lettings and Property Management team at Quealy & Co take a look at what we know about The Renters Reform Bill so far. If you have any questions or need advice on any aspect of your property portfolio, give our friendly lettings team a call on 01795 429836.

 

What is planned in the Bill?  

Section 21 to be banned

Section 21 evictions that allow landlords to terminate tenancies without giving any reason will soon be outlawed. This will leave landlords relying on section 8 notices in order to evict tenants. This means a landlord will soon require a valid reason to evict any tenant.     

All renters to have a right to have pets

Although the Government's model tenancy agreement allows for renters to keep pets by default, at present landlords can still stipulate against this.

The new proposal will mean tenants have a right to request a pet in the property, and landlords will not be able to unreasonably refuse them.    

No more arbitrary rent reviews

For the first time, the Government plans to end the use of arbitrary rent review clauses within tenancy agreements, and improve tenants' ability to challenge excessive rent increases through the first tier tribunal.    

Families with children and those on benefits cannot be excluded

It will become illegal for landlords to have blanket bans on renting to families with children or those in receipt of benefits.    

A new Private renters Ombudsman

A new Private Renters' Ombudsman will be created to enable disputes between private renters and landlords to be settled quickly, at low cost, and without going to court. This will ensure landlords can gain possession of their properties efficiently from anti-social tenants and can sell their properties when they need to.    

All renters to be moved onto periodic tenancies

The Government white paper states: 'We will make all tenancies periodic, giving private tenants the right to move whenever they need to, or where the landlord is not fulfilling their basic responsibilities. 

'Tenants will need to provide two months' notice when leaving a tenancy, ensuring landlords can recoup the costs of finding a tenant and avoid lengthy void periods.'  A periodic tenancy is often referred to as a rolling tenancy with no fixed end date.    

Doubling notice periods for rent increases

The Government will also double the notice periods for rent increases and give tenants stronger powers to challenge them if unjustified.

At present a landlord must give a tenant one month notice before increasing the rent if the tenant is paying on a weekly or monthly basis.  

Local councils to have stronger powers

The Government also plans to give council more power to tackle rouge landlords backed by enforcement pilots and increasing fines for serious offences.

At present, most rogue landlords are going unpunished for letting out unsafe properties. The government will be hoping to ensure landlords who fail to keep up with regulations will be soon exposed and punished more effectively.

 

Trust Quealy & Co Lettings to keep you updated

The team at Quealy & Co Lettings and Property Management will keep you further updated about the legislation changes. Ensure you are registered for our newsletters to be the first to hear about legislation changes in the industry. Call us on 01795 429836 or email hello@quealy.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.