Stay In The Know: Renter’s (Reform Bill) UPDATE

With just over a year left till the next general election, the long awaited Renter’s Reform Bill is in a race against time to be introduced to parliament and become legislation. The proposed bill has been proposed as a means of further protection for tenants in the UK, to prevent the, being unexpectedly evicted with little notice, and without plausible reason. This bill is experiencing major change as it travels through parliament, so to ensure you are aware of how this bill will affect you and your rights, here are the latest updates for you to stay in the know.

What were the previous updates?

In a previous update, we informed that the eradication of no-fault evictions, or Section 21s was a main point of discussion and would prohibit landlords from ending tenancies without proper reason, and tenants would be able to contest their decision.

Also, the creation of a new ombudsman was another point of discussion, which would allow tenants to formally file a complaint against their landlord without proceeding to court. This has been discussed to include the introduction of a new portal where tenants are able to log their landlord’s performance and use this in their argument if the tenancy does not proceed in a positive manner.

Landlords were also told that they will be unable to refuse a tenant query regarding keeping a pet in the property, as their query must be adequately considered and justifiably rejected.

Reformation of the Section 8 notice, new form of tenancy agreement and adjustments to how rent increases can be implemented, are also among the multiple proposals that have been speculated.

What are the latest updates?

The bill has passed the first reading in the House of Commons and is in the process of a second reading at the House of Commons, which is due to proceed to the Committee stage. The second reading debates the main principle of the bill and there will be an open debate, setting out the case for the Renter’s Reform and explaining its provisions. This second reading seems to be delayed until autumn, with the second reading now listed on the Order Paper for 4 September 2023, which leaves very little time for an answer to be provided before the end of the year.

Those are the latest updates on the bill, and with its progress looking at a late 2024 enforcement, we’ll continue to update as it progresses through Parliament over the next year. Ensure you have read up on our previous update here to stay in the know or on legislation that will change renting as we know it.

Maya