Next Steps for the Renters Reform Bill: What to Expect. The Renters Reform Bill is set to have its long-awaited Second Reading on Monday, October 23. This update, exclusively reported by the Financial Times, indicates that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has given the green light for the bill to proceed through Parliament.
Previously, there were concerns that certain backbench Tory MPs were effectively blocking the bill’s progress. However, the FT’s report suggests that Michael Gove, the levelling-up secretary, has emerged victorious in an internal battle over the legislation. As a result, the Renters Reform Bill is now slated for its crucial second reading in the House of Commons on Monday.
After the second reading, there will be a “carry-over motion” to enable the bill to transition into the next parliamentary session, commencing with the King’s Speech on November 7.
Polly Neate, the chief executive of the campaigning charity Shelter, expressed her concerns, stating, “Every day, 540 people receive no-fault eviction notices, with just two months to secure a new home. For these individuals, any unnecessary delays in making renting safer and fairer are unacceptable.”
She emphasized the potential impact of a robust Renters (Reform) Bill, highlighting its ability to alleviate the constant threat of no-fault evictions, reduce homelessness, and hold landlords accountable for unsafe rental properties.
The Renters Reform Bill fulfills the Tories’ 2019 manifesto pledge to eliminate section 21 evictions, aiming to give renters the confidence to address issues with subpar landlords without the fear of losing their homes.
This legislation also extends its protection to over two million landlords, streamlining the process of reclaiming their properties when necessary, whether it’s for selling, accommodating close family members, or in cases of non-payment of rent by tenants.
Furthermore, the Bill outlines provisions to shorten notice periods in cases where tenants have acted irresponsibly, such as breaching their tenancy agreements or causing property damage.
The Renters Reform Bill will introduce a streamlined court process, leveraging digital technology to minimize delays, particularly for the minority of eviction cases that end up in court.
Additionally, this legislation mandates the appointment of an Ombudsman for landlords, and a digital Property Portal will be established to detail landlords’ responsibilities, assisting tenants in making informed decisions when entering new tenancy agreements.
Furthermore, tenants will be granted the legal right to request having pets in their homes, subject to landlords’ reasonable consideration. Landlords may also require pet insurance to cover potential property damage.
The government will also bring forward legislation as part of the Bill to: Â
- apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time;
- make it illegal for landlords and agents to have blanket bans on renting to tenants in receipt of benefits or with children:
- strengthen councils’ enforcement powers and introduce a new requirement for councils to report on enforcement activity.
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