Millions of renters in England have moved a step closer to receiving enhanced rights following the formal approval of a new law. The Renters’ Rights Bill has now received Royal Assent, a development that is expected to impact 11 million private renters and 2.3 million landlords.
Key aspects of the Bill include the elimination of Section 21 “no fault” evictions and the provision of more rights for tenants with pets. It is important to note that these regulations are not yet in effect and will specifically apply to rentals in England. Further details on the implementation of the reforms will be disclosed in the upcoming weeks.
The Renters’ Reform Coalition, comprising organizations such as Shelter, Generation Rent, and Citizens Advice, hailed the changes as a significant improvement in renters’ rights. The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) expressed its commitment to collaborating with the Government to ensure that the reforms are fair, proportionate, and feasible.
The Renters’ Rights Bill will bring an end to Section 21 evictions, which allow landlords to terminate a tenancy without providing a reason. Landlords will be prohibited from selling or moving into a property within the initial 12 months of a tenancy, after which they must serve a four-month notice.
Under the new rules, all tenancies will be converted to periodic tenancies, eliminating fixed-term agreements. Tenants will have improved rights to request pets in properties, which landlords must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse. Additionally, tenants can challenge pet request denials through the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.
Discrimination against benefit claimants or families with children by landlords and estate agents will be outlawed. However, all tenants will still undergo reference and affordability checks. Furthermore, landlords and estate agents will be prohibited from soliciting offers above the advertised rent to prevent bidding wars and ensure fair access to affordable housing.
To promote transparency, landlords and estate agents will be mandated to disclose an asking rent for their properties, and accepting offers exceeding this rate will be illegal. These legislative changes aim to enhance the renting experience for tenants while ensuring fairness and accountability in the rental market.