New Government picks up the baton on rental reform
The previous government didn't implement the Renters (Reform) Bill, failing to pass due to delays in the parliamentary process before the General Election was called and it was dropped. Additionally, the Bill lacked critical clarity about how it might work in practice.
With announcements in the King's Speech, the new Labour government has put renters’ rights back on the agenda through the introduction of its Renters Rights Bill. This legislation aims to build on the previous government's Renters (Reform) Bill, focusing on banning no-fault eviction notices.
Whilst the Bill is only a headline now, this legislation is a crucial commitment from the Labour manifesto and marks an area of strategic importance for the Labour agenda.
With our strong relationships across the political spectrum, we are proactively representing members, and opening dialogue with the new UK Government MPs and Parliamentarians. We are lobbying to ensure legislation is evidence-based and workable, giving you reassurance and confidence in your representation.
Proposals carried over:
- Abolished section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.
- Expanding possession grounds so landlords can reclaim their properties when needed.
- Strengthening tenants’ rights and protections, pushing tenants to challenge rent increases.
- Giving tenants the right to request a pet, which landlords must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse.
- Applying a Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector.
- Creating a digital private rented sector database to gather critical information for landlords, tenants, and councils.
- A new private rented sector ombudsman service aimed at delivering quicker, cheaper resolutions to disputes.
- Making it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants in receipt of benefits or with children when choosing to let their property.
- New investigatory and enforcement powers for local councils
New proposals:
- Expanding and applying ‘Awaab’s Law’ to the Private Rental Sector, setting legal expectations about the timeframes within which Landlords must make homes safe.
The reforms to the rental market are long expected and we will ensure that rent controls are avoided, new grounds are effective, and the court system is fit for purpose to coincide with any removal of Section 21.
These publications were created in response to the previous Government's Renters (Reform) Bill proposals. We'll review and update these once we have more clarity around the new Renters Rights Bill.
Reforming the PRS: landlord views of the Renters (Reform) Bill
In this report, we share insights into the Renters (Reform) Bill from the perspective of landlords, which was obtained via Propertymark letting agent members' landlords. If the Bill is implemented, landlords whose properties are managed by Propertymark member agents will receive professional support to assist with implementation and compliance. However, it remains to be seen if the UK Government plan to provide further guidance, and whether it is sufficient to support self-managing landlords.
Reforming the PRS: letting agent views of the Renters (Reform) Bill
In this report, we share insights into the Renters (Reform) Bill from the perspective of letting agents, a key force for change within the sector. The research, conducted with a geographically representative sample of Propertymark letting agent members, provides valuable evidence, which policy makers can use to help shape the Bill in its final stages and thereafter inform its implementation.
Renting with pets survey reveals extent of damage costs to landlords
An online survey showed that pet damage is extremely common in properties where landlords rent to tenants with pets and the costs are difficult to recoup. With the demand for pet-friendly homes continuing to increase, the UK Government must now understand the costs for landlords and implement rules that support the sector.
The Future of Renting
The Future of Renting features our recommendations to the UK Government and its plans to reform the private rented sector in England. We want to help shape and influence the UK Government’s Renters’ Reforms White Paper which is due to be released in 2022.