Important: Renters Reform Bill video update

On 17 May 2023, the government introduced the long-awaited Renters Reform Bill into parliament. Our message is not to panic! There is lots to take in and Matt and James share their thoughts on the bill in our latest video update.

Reform to the private rented sector was a Conservative party pledge in their 2019 general election manifesto and in June 2022 the government published its ‘A Fairer Private Rented Sector’ White Paper. This gave insight into what to expect in the bill which has now finally arrived.

In the time since the White Paper there have been various changes, and now the bill has reached parliament there will be some scrutiny over its detail and implementation, this is expected to take place in the week commencing 5 June 2023. From there we will get a more certain picture of when matters will be introduced.

The headlines are -

* Reform to the possession process - Abolishing section 21, strengthening section 8 grounds - particularly for anti-social tenants.

* A move to periodic tenancies and the removal of assured short-hold tenancies.

* Further legal rights for tenants to request a pet in their rental property.

* Applying the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector.

* A new Landlord Ombudsman.

* Stopping landlords and agents from issuing blanket bans for tenants on benefits, or with children.

* Strengthening enforcement powers for councils.

On particularly interesting feature, which may address some of the pain points that landlords currently experience with court process times for possession claims. This looks set to be replaced with a new digital process to reduce delays.

While there is sure to be an adjustment to the new legislation across the day-to-day letting the overall changes are designed to make things fairer and do not differ hugely from what is in place already.

If you would like to discuss the Renters Reform Bill you can call us at any time on 01202 554470.

You can also book a call in with Matt or James by clicking here.