Labour's Renters' Rights Bill

Tue 22 October 2024

Renters’ Rights Bill

The Renters’ Rights Bill aims to deliver on the Labour Government’s manifesto commitment to recondition the Private Rented Sector (PRS). The Bill, which was published on 11^th September, contains key components which are designed to provide Tenants with more rights and greater security in their homes. The Renters' Rights Bill expands on the Conservative's suggested changes to the PRS with their Renters' Reform Bill.

An overview of the proposed measures for rentals includes:

•  Abolishing Section 21 “no-fault” eviction notices whilst ensuring that other possession grounds are fair and reasonable.
• Simplifying tenancy structure by making all assured and assured shorthold tenancies periodic. Tenants will be required to serve 2 months notice to end their tenancy.
•  Introducing a PRS Landlord Ombudsman to help with Landlord and Tenant dispute resolution.
• Creating a database for the PRS to help Landlords understand their obligations and improve compliance.
• Giving Tenants greater rights to request the ability able to keep a pet in their rented home.
• Applying the Decent Homes Standard to deliver safer and better quality rental properties.
• Applying Awaab’s Law to give Landlords clear timescales to work to in order to address serious hazards in their rented homes.
• Making it an offence for Landlords or Letting Agents to discriminate against prospective tenants with children or who are in receipt of Housing Benefit.
• Ban Landlords or Letting Agents from encouraging bidding wars and accepting offers above the advertised rent.
• Strengthen Local Authority enforcement by increasing civil penalties and requiring Local Authorities to report on enforcement activity.
• Strengthen Rent Repayment Orders by increasing penalties and extending them to Superior Landlords.

The Renters’ Rights Bill is currently working it’s way through the House Of Commons and is currently at the “Committee Stage”. It is widely anticipated that the bill will become law in Summer 2025.

Managing change is difficult at the best of times and it is not too early for Landlords to be thinking of how to get ready for the Renters Rights Bill. RH & RW Clutton is here to assist with your ever increasing responsibilities as a Landlord, including compliance with upcoming legislation. Contact Sam Benson MARLA in our Lettings Department for further information.

This article is intended as a guide only and does not constitute legal advice. Find out more about the Renters' Rights Bill. 

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#rentersrightsbill #labour #landlord #tenant #home

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