Housing campaigners are urging the next government to introduce additional reforms to the private rented sector, arguing that the recently introduced Renters’ Rights Act should be viewed as the beginning of wider changes rather than the final solution.
With Andy Burnham expected to become Prime Minister in the coming days, tenant campaign group Generation Rent has published a series of proposals it believes should form the next stage of rental reform.
Stronger Controls on Rent Increases
Generation Rent believes more action is needed to protect tenants from rising rents. Although the Renters’ Rights Act gives renters greater rights to challenge rent increases, the organisation says many tenants remain unaware of the First-tier Tribunal process.
The group also argues that using current market rents to determine whether an increase is reasonable does little to improve affordability, as market rates are already beyond the reach of many households.
Faster Improvements to Rental Standards
The campaign group is also calling for quicker action to improve the quality of privately rented homes. It claims that rental properties often fall below the standards found in owner-occupied and social housing.
Generation Rent wants the Decent Homes Standard to apply to private rented properties by 2030 instead of the current 2035 target. It is also urging the Government to introduce Awaab’s Law this year, requiring landlords to address hazards such as damp and mould within set timeframes.
Stronger Enforcement of Energy Efficiency Rules
The organisation is backing plans requiring privately rented homes to achieve an EPC rating of C by 2030 but believes stronger enforcement is needed.
It proposes allowing tenants to apply for a Rent Repayment Order if landlords fail to meet the minimum energy efficiency requirements, arguing that private renters are among those most affected by fuel poverty.
Calls to Abolish Right to Rent Checks
Generation Rent is also seeking the removal of Right to Rent immigration checks. The group argues that some landlords are reluctant to let properties to people without British passports because they fear breaching immigration rules.
According to the campaigners, ending these checks would help reduce barriers to renting and could prevent some households from becoming homeless.
Financial Support for Tenants Forced to Move
The group is also calling for greater financial protection for tenants who are required to leave a property because a landlord intends to sell it or move in themselves or a family member.
It proposes that landlords should waive two months’ rent in these circumstances to help tenants cover the upfront costs of relocating. Generation Rent believes this would reduce the risk of renters falling into financial hardship or homelessness when forced to move.
While the Renters’ Rights Act introduces significant changes to the private rented sector, campaign groups are continuing to press for further reforms, suggesting that housing policy is likely to remain a key issue under any future government.
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