The Renters Reform Bill – What to expect

The Government has committed to ensure renters are treated fairly by their Landlord. The White Paper on the Renters’ Reform Bill is expected this Autumn, and will confirm the proposals put forward and changes that Landlords will need to become familiar with.

From the information we already have, the following changes are expected:

· Reformation of Section 21 “no fault” evictions and Strengthening grounds for possession

· Lifetime Deposits

· Redress Scheme

· Continuation of plans following the Social Housing White Paper Proposals e.g., the Charter for Social Housing residents allowing change to social renters

Section 21 evictions and grounds for possession

Section 21 evictions, also known as ‘No fault’ evictions, are expected to be abolished in the upcoming Legislation, with amendments to the Court eviction process also coming into place.

While this is likely to be daunting for Landlords, the Government has proposed to introduce new grounds and to strengthen the Grounds for Possession for Landlords “when they have valid cause”.

Proposals for New Grounds Current Grounds to be reviewed

Seeking possession where it is needed for a family member (mandatory ground) where prior notice has been served and the tenancy has been in place for 2+ years.

To sell the Property with vacant possession(mandatory ground) where prior notice has been served and the tenancy has been in place for 2+ years.

Amending ground 13 to allow possession where a tenant prevents them from maintaining legal safety standards (discretionary ground).

Section 21 evictions and grounds for possession

Section 21 evictions, also known as ‘No fault’ evictions, are expected to be abolished in the upcoming Legislation, with amendments to the Court eviction process also coming into place.

While this is likely to be daunting for Landlords, the Government has proposed to introduce new grounds and to strengthen the Grounds for Possession for Landlords “when they have valid cause”.

Lifetime Deposits

The Government has proposed to bring in Lifetime Deposits for tenants when moving property. This will allow deposits to be transferred between Landlords and not be due at the start of every move.

Redress Scheme and continuation of plans following the Social Housing White Paper Proposals (“the White Paper”).

The proposal for a Redress Scheme follows the Social Housing White Paper Proposals which called for more interaction between landlord and tenant, with a focus on the tenant being able to complain about any mistreatments, without fear of rebuttal from their landlord.

The White Paper proposed that tenants should be able to:

· Be safe in their home

· Know how their landlord is performing

· Have complaints dealt with promptly and fairly

· Be treated with respect, backed by a strong consumer regulator for tenants

· Have their voice heard by the Landlord

· Have a good quality home and neighbourhood to live in

· Be supported to take their first step to ownership.

While this appears to be more onerous on the Landlord, the review and introduction of grounds for possession ensure a fair balance between tenant and landlord moving forward.

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