Renters’ Rights Bill – What does it mean for you?

The Renters’ Rights Bill will be introduced into Parliament today (11^th September 2024). Under the previous Government, proposals to change the rights of tenants were set out in the Renters Reform Bill.

The Bill sets out proposals to do the following:

• Bring an end to so called “no fault eviction” (arising from s21 Housing Act 1988) for new and existing tenancies
• An end to mid tenancy rent increases
• Landlords blocking tenant applications from those with children or those on benefits
• Extend Awaab’s Law from the Social Housing sector into the Private rented sector, forcing landlords to fix issues such as damp and mould within a particular timeframe
• Allow tenants to have pets
• A “decent homes standard” will apply to the private rented sector
• Landlords who fail to address serious hazards may be fined up to £7000
• A ban on rental bidding wars and forcing landlords and letting agents to publish an asking rent for a property
• A new Private Rented Sector Database will be created to help landlords understand their obligations, provide tenants the information they need to make informed choices and enable councils to focus on enforcement where it is needed most
• Ensure homes in the private rented sector meet minimum energy efficiency standards by 2030.

The Housing and Planning Minister has stated the Bill will end “injustice” for renters living in “substandard” properties, but that it would work for “good landlords” who will “benefit from clear regulation” and “eliminate unfair competition from those who, for far too long, have got away with renting out substandard properties to tenants”.

The Government publication states the Bill will abolish s21 evictions for both new and existing tenancies at the same time, giving all private renters immediate security and assurance.

This appears to be a move away from previous thinking around the old bill that a ban would apply straight away to new tenancies but would be phased in for existing tenancies. It is also like increased notice periods will need to be given when relying on other grounds for possession.

Further details of the Bill are anticipated, and I would point out this is not currently law, and the Bill needs to be passed through Parliament before being approved and turned into an Act.