The biggest overhaul of private renting in England
While we accept the need for reform, we share members' grave concerns with specific areas of the proposed legislation, and the impact this will have across the sector with the current lack of enforcement by local authorities. We are pushing for a balanced approach between the rights of landlords and tenants.
What's included in the Renters' Rights Bill?
Whilst timings and details are still lacking, a Guide to the Bill was issued on 26 September 2024, whilst it outlines everything in the Bill including:
- Abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault evictions’ with new and expanded possession grounds.
- Introduce new measures to end rental bidding wars by landlords and letting agents.
- Tenants will have the right to request a pet and landlords will be allowed to request insurance to cover potential damage from pets if needed.
- Applying a Decent Homes Standard and ‘Awaab’s Law’ to the private rented sector.
- Creating a digital private rented sector database with key information for landlords, tenants, and councils.
- A new ombudsman service for private rented sector landlords.
- Making it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants in receipt of benefits or with children when choosing to let their property.
- Strengthening local councils’ enforcement powers through expanded Rent Repayment Orders and increases to fines.
Devon Rose will publish information on this issue as soon as we receive it.