In his speech King Charles announced: “Legislation will be introduced to give greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no fault evictions and reforming grounds for possession.”
Key Provisions of the Renters’ Rights Bill
The Renter’s Rights Bill is designed to address critical issues in the rental market, focusing on enhancing tenant protections and ensuring fair treatment. Key aspects of the bill will include:
> Ending No-Fault Evictions: As per the previous bill, this seeks to abolish Section 21, so-called ‘no-fault evictions’, and strengthening and expanding possession grounds so that landlords can reclaim their properties when they need to.
> Putting an end to the practice of ‘rental bidding wars’ where potential tenants are pitted against each other to force rents up
> Giving tenants the right to request a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse, and allowing landlords to request insurance to cover potential pet damage.
> Enforcing Property Standards by applying a ‘Decent Homes Standard’ and ‘Awaab’s Law’ to the private rented sector
> Introducing a new Ombudsman service for the PRS to provide fair, impartial and binding resolution, to both landlords and tenants and reducing the need to go to court
> Creating a digital private rented sector database to allow landlords to demonstrate compliance of their obligations, and tenants to make informed choices when entering new tenancies
> Outlawing discrimination against tenants who are in receipt of benefits or with children
> Strengthening local councils’ enforcement powers to make it easier for councils to identify and fine bad landlords
Stay Informed
It is important to remember that the Renters’ Rights Bill is yet to be formerly introduced and is still a long way from being law. As the bill undergoes scrutiny and potential revisions in Parliament, it is crucial for industry professionals to stay updated on its progress and prepare for the eventual changes.
In due course you will be able to find the bill here: https://bills.parliament.uk/
In the meantime CLICK HERE to read King’s Speech in full, with the speech on page 7 and details of the Renter’s Rights Bill on page 69.
This article is intended as a guide only and does not constitute legal advice. If in doubt seek professional legal advice.
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