Millions of renters in England are on the brink of gaining enhanced rights following the formal approval of a new law.
The Renters’ Rights Bill has received Royal Assent, with the government estimating its impact on 11 million private renters and 2.3 million landlords.
Key provisions under the Bill include the elimination of Section 21 “no fault” evictions and expanded pet ownership rights.
While these regulations have not yet taken effect, they will specifically apply to rentals in England, with further guidance on implementation expected in the upcoming weeks.
Referred to as a “generational upgrade to renters’ rights” by the Renters’ Reform Coalition, which comprises organizations like Shelter, Generation Rent, and Citizens Advice, the changes have been welcomed.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has pledged to collaborate with the government for the fair and feasible implementation of the reforms.
Here are six notable features of the Renters’ Rights Bill:
– Section 21 evictions will be discontinued, preventing landlords from terminating tenancies without just cause.
– Landlords will be prohibited from selling or occupying a property in the initial 12 months of a tenancy, after which a four-month notice period will be required.
– Eviction of tenants will be permitted in cases of rental arrears, property damage, or antisocial behavior.
– The threshold for issuing a Section 8 eviction notice due to rent arrears will be raised from two to three months.
– Following the issuance of a Section 8 notice, tenants will have four months to vacate, with a court intervention possible if they fail to comply.
– All tenancies will transition to periodic agreements, replacing fixed-term arrangements, with the option for tenants to request pet ownership that landlords must reasonably consider.
Moreover, tenants who feel unfairly denied the opportunity to have a pet can challenge the decision through the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.
The legislation will also outlaw discrimination by landlords and estate agents against benefit claimants or families with children, while maintaining reference and affordability checks for all tenants.
Furthermore, landlords and agents will no longer be permitted to solicit offers exceeding the advertised rent, putting an end to bidding competitions that hinder access to affordable housing.
Lastly, property owners and agents will be obligated to disclose a set asking rent, with any offers above this rate deemed illegal.
This comprehensive overhaul aims to protect the interests of both renters and landlords in the rental market.