Renters Rights Bill

Here We Go Again: Five Key Aspects of the New Renters’ Rights Bill

The new labour government have been quick to introduce their Renters’ Rights Bill into the House of Commons where it received its first reading on 11 September 2024. The Bill builds on the former government’s discarded Renters Reform Bill by abolishing no fault evictions and aims to provide even greater protection for tenants.

1. Enhanced tenant security: The Bill revises the grounds for eviction to offer greater protection for tenants. For instance, landlords won’t be able to evict their tenants for 12 months at the start of their tenancy if they want to move in or sell the property. After the 12 months it is proposed that landlords must give four months’ notice to evict for these reasons.

2. Extension of social housing law to the private sector: Landlords will have to investigate and remedy unsafe conditions within specified timeframes.

3. Ending Discriminatory Practices: The Bill will prohibit blanket bans on tenants with children or those receiving benefits.

4. Bidding Wars: Landlords and letting agents will be required to set and publish a fixed rent and will not be able to encourage or accept higher bids.

5. New Ombudsman and Database: The new ombudsman is proposed to give a cost-effective way to resolve disputes, and a new database will be to assist landlords with compliance and provide tenants with information.