Last Updated: July 2024
In July 2024, the Labour government announced that they would be reforming the private rental sector with the Renters’ Rights Bill, replacing the previous government’s Renter’s (Reform) Bill. They have announced a number of changes to the industry that they intend to make with the new legislation that we have detailed below. This is an ongoing bill and we only have introductory information at this stage, however we will update this website as progress is made.
Section 21 Abolishment
‘No fault’ evictions will be banned with the legislation. The government will review and expand possession grounds available to Landlords so they still have the right to reclaim their properties when they need to.
Rent Increases/Bidding Wars
Tenants will have more rights to challenge unfair rent increases and rental bidding wars will no longer be permitted.
Increase Pet Rights
The right to have a pet in a rented property will be increased, meaning that Landlords are only able to refuse these requests on reasonable grounds. Tenants can be asked to put an insurance policy in place to cover pet damage.
Decent Homes Standard
A minimum standard of rental accommodation will be established to ensure all privately rented properties meet a reasonable quality.
Awaab’s Law
In July 2023 Awaab’s Law was introduced to improve the standards of social housing by setting out a process to handle reports of any hazards found in a property within a set time period. These hazards mirror those contained in the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. Labour have said they will be extending this legislation to also apple to the private rental sector. The law currently requires social housing Landlords to:
- Investigate hazards within 14 calendar days.
- Provide a written report of the investigation.
- Begin repairs within 7 calendar days if the hazard could create a significant risk to the health or safety of the tenants .
- Complete repair work within a ‘reasonable time period’.
- Emergency repairs must be completed within 24 hours.
- A clear record of correspondence with residents and contractors.
Digital Private Sector Database
A digital portal will be introduced to provide key information to Landlords and Tenants. Landlords will be able to use this to understand their obligations and demonstrate compliance and Tenants will be able to see a history of this. Local councils will also be able to use this database to target enforcement in areas with low levels of compliance.
Private Rental Sector Ombudsman
A new ombudsman service will be established for the private rental sector to help disputes between Landlords and Tenants without the need for court proceedings.
Updated Discrimination Laws
Discrimination against Tenants on benefits or those with children when Landlords are choosing Tenants will become illegal.
Council Enforcement Powers
Local councils will be given stronger enforcement powers to investigate, identify and prosecute Landlords displaying poor conduct.
