General election brings end to parliamentary process
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP, has called for a general election that will take place on 4 July. As a result, The Renter's (Reform) Bill couldn't complete it's journey through Parliament before the Government was dissolved and was dropped.
This means that the Bill will not become law, and the next Government will lead on any reforms to the private rented sector.
Propertymark has built strong relationships across the political spectrum and will continue to represent members to the new Government, lobbying on your behalf to ensure legislation is evidence-based and workable.
Reforming the private rented sector
The Bill would have:
- Abolished section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and reform tenancy agreements where all assured tenancies are periodic.
- Introduced more possession grounds where tenants are at fault, for example in cases of anti-social behaviour and repeat rent arrears.
- Provided stronger protections against retaliatory evictions.
- Introduced a new Ombudsman that all private landlords must join.
- Introduced a new Property Portal including a database of residential landlords and privately rented properties in England.
- Given tenants the right to request a pet in their property, which the landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse.
Further measures the UK Government wanted to legislate for included:
- Applying the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector.
- Making it illegal for landlords and agents to have blanket bans on renting to tenant in receipt of benefits or with children.
- Strengthening local council’s enforcement powers and introduce a new requirement for councils to report on enforcement activity.
Reforms to the private rented sector in England have been long awaited and the Bill will bring much needed clarity to letting agents and their landlords and tenants. Propertymark will support the UK Government to ensure the specific details and policies work in practice for those on the ground, whilst providing security and fairness for both parties of the rental agreement.
It is also important implementation is well planned and managed as these reforms are significant for the sector and everyone will need time to understand and prepare for the new measures.
Propertymark is ensuring your voice is heard
We also engaged with politicians across the political divide and in 2021 and produced our own White Paper: ‘The Future of Renting’ to influence and shape the reforms going forward.
More information
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.
Renters’ reform risks dwindling stock even further
Propertymark has submitted written evidence to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee who have opened an inquiry into the UK Government’s plans to reform the private rented sector in England.
Parliamentary process
It can take between nine and twelve months for a Bill to pass into law. The process includes ‘Readings’ in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and will include opportunities for amendments to be tabled.
A similar process takes place in the House of Lords. Any amendments have to be agreed by both the House of Commons and the House Lords after which the Bill can be sent to the King for Royal Assent and pass into law. It will then become an Act.
This is held in the House of Commons, when the bill is first published. There is no debate on the Bill.
This is the first opportunity for MPs to debate the main principles of the Bill and usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after first reading.
A committee of MPs will scrutinise the bill line by line. This provides the first opportunity to propose, debate and vote on suggested amendments and new clauses.
A Public Bill Committee in the Commons can take oral and written evidence on the bill.
All MPs will have an opportunity to table, debate and, if needed, vote upon further suggested amendments and new clauses to the Bill.
The final chance for the Commons to debate the contents of the Bill. It usually takes place immediately after Report Stage. No amendments are possible.