All You Need To Know About The Renters Reform Bill

The Government have set forward their Renters Reform Bill, which is now making its way through the Parliamentary process, with aims to be law by the end of 2023.

We’ve summarised the key proposals that will debated in the House of Lords and House of Commons. Continue reading to stay up to date.

Tenancy Reform 

• Fixed-term tenancies are ending and being replaced by periodic tenancies that don’t have an end date. Tenants will be able to leave the tenancy by giving two months’ notice
• Rent increases limited to one increase per year, a form must be completed by the landlord and served to the tenant with two months’ notice

End Of No-Fault Evictions 

• Under the new legislation, section 21 ‘no fault evictions’ will be abolished
• Landlords will only be able to evict tenants under certain circumstances under section 8 grounds

Private Rented Sector Ombudsman Portal 

• This independent body will oversee dispute resolutions, providing a fair and impartial platform for tenants and landlords alike
• Membership for landlords will be mandatory

Private Rental Property Portal  

• Landlords will be legally required to register themselves and their properties on a new property portal, created to help facilitate communications with tenants

Renting With Pets  

• Tenants will now have a legal right to request permission to keep pets in their rented homes. Landlords must consider these requests and cannot unreasonably refuse them.​​​​​​

Additional Measures 

• No blanket bans on renting to benefit claimants or families with children allowed

Applying the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS for the first time, ensuring that rented properties meet minimum quality requirements.

What’s Next?

We’ll keep you informed as the Bill makes its way through Parliament.

If you find that landlords require extra support, there is additional information on the government website and general PRS information on our blog.

Source: Paragon 30^th May 2023