The Government has proposed the Renters (Reform) Bill in England which will improve the system for both the 11 million private renters and 2.3 million landlords by delivering “safer, fairer and higher quality homes” in the private rented sector.
The proposed changes in England follow similar measures already introduced in Wales with The Renting Homes (Amendment) (Wales) Bill which came into force on 1st December 2022. Peter Alan have been working closely with landlords across Wales to implement these changes for some time and continue to help ensure landlord’s properties remain compliant. Peter Alan are part of the Connells Group, the largest lettings business in the UK, currently managing over 150,000 tenancies. When these latest changes are introduced in England we will be well placed to assist landlords to navigate this new piece of legislation.
When will the bill become law?
The bill was introduced on the 17th May 2023, delivering on the Government’s 2019 manifesto. The bill will need to go through the usual parliamentary process where MPs and peers will scrutinise it and make important changes before it can become law in England.
The bill plans to:
· Ensure that tenants have greater security in their homes and that landlords have the recourse they need to remove anti-social tenants or when they have a change in their own circumstances such as when they genuinely want to sell their properties or move back in
· The main target for the reforms is the abolishment of Section 21 evictions, often called no-fault evictions. The bill will make it illegal in England for landlords to evict tenants ‘without fault’ and requiring landlords to provide a reason for reclaiming the property
· Create a new Ombudsman to help resolve tenant and landlord disputes.
· Create a national landlord register through the new property portal which will give renters all the information they need to make an informed choice before entering into a tenancy agreement.
· Enable tenants to request the right to have a pet in the property, which a landlord can’t refuse without good reason.
· Outlaw bans on renting to tenants in receipt of benefits or with children.
· Ensure that all privately rented sector homes in the UK meet a legislated Decent Homes Standard.
What are the next steps for landlords in England?
There is no imminent change that will affect landlords and tenants alike, and the majority of landlord/tenant relationships will remain unaffected post any legislation changes.
We will communicate any further updates in due course but in the meantime, if you have any questions please contact angela@peteralan.co.uk
If you are looking for an up-to-date rental appraisal of your property please contact your local branch
