The Renters’ Rights Bill was introduced to the UK Parliament on 11 September 2024 and will ban Section 21 evictions, introduce a new tenancy regime and new requirements for property standards and rent increases. The previous Conservative government didn’t implement the Renters (Reform) Bill, failing to pass due to delays in the parliamentary process before the 2024 General Election was called and it was dropped
Proposals for reform were announced in the King’s Speech in July 2024 to give greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no fault evictions and reforming grounds for possession.
With our strong relationships across the political spectrum, we are proactively representing members, and opening dialogue with the new UK Government MPs and Parliamentarians. We are lobbying to ensure legislation is evidence-based and workable, giving you reassurance and confidence in your representation.
Renters’ Rights Bill:
- Abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault evictions’ with new and expanded possession grounds.
- Introduce new measures to end the practice of rental bidding wars by landlords and letting agents.
- Tenants will have the right to request a pet and landlords will be able 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 to bring together 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.
Having met with the Housing Minister, it is clear his intention is for these reforms to overhaul private renting in England. They are a long-held manifesto commitment from Labour, with the new government at Westminster using their mandate for reform.
Whilst Propertymark acknowledges the drive towards improved standards, the UK Government must fully understand and recognise the impact that these changes will have with agents up and down the country left wondering how this legislation will help meet the much-needed demand for homes for people to rent.
With such significant changes to the current tenancy regime there must be a commitment to ensure the court system and grounds for possession are robust and fit for purpose. Furthermore, without an enhanced, effective and well-resourced enforcement regime from local authorities it is unlikely that any benefits from the reforms will be realised. Propertymark will continue to make the case for evidenced based policies that support a flexible and fair private rented sector for all.
Timothy Douglas
Head of Policy and Campaigns | Propertymark