The Renters (Reform) Bill is a proposed Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom introduced by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, on 17 May 2023. The legislation proposes ending the no-fault eviction of tenants, as well as making it easier for landlords to evict antisocial tenants.[1]
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| Long title | A Bill to make provision changing the law about rented homes, including provision abolishing fixed term assured tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies; imposing obligations on landlords and others in relation to rented homes and temporary and supported accommodation; and for connected purposes. |
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| Introduced by | The Baroness Swinburne, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Communities (Lords) |
| History of passage through Parliament | |
The Bill passed third reading in the House of Commons on 24 April 2024.[2]
The Bill was then introduced to the House of Lords by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Communities, Baroness Swinburne. The Bill is set to receive its second reading in the Lords on 15 May 2024.
Overview of Bill edit
The Bill will:[3]
- Abolish 'no fault' evictions under section 21, shifting to a simplified tenancy structure for increased tenant security and empowerment.
- Expand possession grounds for landlords, allowing property recovery in various situations, including property sale or relocation of close family, and facilitating repossession in cases of tenant fault.
- Strengthen protections against backdoor eviction, enabling tenants to appeal excessive rents designed to force eviction, with an independent tribunal determining market rent.
- Establish a Private Rented Sector Ombudsman for fair and efficient issue resolution, offering an alternative to the court system.
- Introduce a Privately Rented Property Portal to inform landlords about legal obligations, boost compliance, and provide tenants with information for informed decisions.
- Grant tenants the right to request a pet, making landlords consider requests and allowing them to require pet insurance for property damage coverage.
References edit
- ^ Forsyth, Alex; Nevett, Joshua; Partridge, Alex (17 May 2023). "No-fault evictions to be banned in reform of rental sector". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
- ^ "Gove bringing Renters Reform Bill back to Commons in mid-April". Landlord Today. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
- ^ "Guide to the Renters (Reform) Bill". GOV.UK. Retrieved 12 February 2024.