The Renters’ Reform Coalition – which includes Shelter, Generation Rent and Citizens Advice – called the changed the changes a ‘generational upgrade to renters’ rights’
Millions of renters in England are a step closed to being granted greater rights after a new law was formally approved.
The Renters’ Rights Bill received Royal Assent this week, in a move that the Government says will affect 11 million private renters and 2.3 million landlords.
Some of the new measures included in the Bill are the abolishment of Section 21 “no fault” evictions, as well as more rights when it comes to having a pet.
However, these rules have not come into force just yet – and they will only cover rentals in England. More details about how the reforms will be rolled out will be released in the coming weeks.
The Renters’ Reform Coalition – which includes Shelter, Generation Rent and Citizens Advice – called the changed the changes a “generational upgrade to renters’ rights”.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) said it will work with the Government to ensure the reforms “are implemented in a way that is fair, proportionate and deliverable”.
Here are six key features in the Renters’ Rights Bill.
Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions banned
The Renters’ Rights Bill will end Section 21 evictions, which are used by landlords to end a tenancy without needing to provide a reason.
Landlords will be banned from selling or moving into a property in the first 12 months of a tenancy – after this, they will need to give four months’ notice.
Landlords will be able to evict tenants at any point if a tenant falls behind on rent, damages the property or commits antisocial behaviour.
Number of months in rent arrears before eviction increased
Under current rules, landlords can issue a Section 8 eviction notice if a tenant owes two months’ rent – but this will be increased to three months.
Once the Section 8 notice has been issued, the tenant is given four months to leave – if they don’t leave, then a court will decide whether to order possession of the property.
All properties will be rented on a rolling basis
The new rules mean all tenancies will be “periodic” or rolling, rather than being fixed. The majority of rental agreements are usually for a fixed period, typically from anywhere between six months and two years.
Existing fixed term tenancies will be converted to periodic tenancies.
Greater rights to own a pet
The new rules will give tenants better rights to request a pet in the property, which the landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse.
If they believe they have been unfairly denied a pet, tenants will be able to challenge the outcome with the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.
Better rights for people with children and benefits
It will be made illegal for landlords and estate agents to discriminate against people who claim benefits or who have children. But all tenants will still be subject to reference and affordability checks.
End of renting bidding wars
Landlords and estate agents will no longer be able to ask for offers above the advertised rent. This will end bidding wars which sees some people pushed out of affordable accommodation.
Landlords and estate agents will be required to publish an asking rent for their property and it will be illegal to accept offers made above this rate.
