What You Can Expect From The Renters’ Reform Bill

Agents | Tue 24 Aug 21

The Renters’ Reform Bill for the private rented sector has been in the pipeline for nearly two years, with the mission to ‘enhance the rights of those who rent’ in England. The ‘reform package’ is due to be outlined in more detail over the coming weeks, likely including timelines for the new legislation.

Until then we won’t know exactly what the Bill will include, but from the initial briefing notes, we expect the update to include several key proposals.

1. Abolish Section 21, or ‘no-fault’ evictions

Landlords won’t be able to simply evict tenants with two months’ notice anymore. Instead, they’ll have to give a reason, for example because the person renting broke their tenancy agreement or because the landlord wishes to sell the property. This will help give tenants greater protection and security.

2. Strengthen the grounds for repossession under Section 8

It’s not just tenants the Bill is looking out for. Landlords looking to sell or move into their rental property might find it easier under new Section 8 grounds for repossession.

3. Introduce ‘lifetime deposits’ or ‘deposit passports’.

The government is keen to help people who rent move more easily by allowing them to transfer their deposit directly from their current landlord to their new landlord. Renters will also be able to ‘top up’ their deposit to make up for claims or for a larger deposit.

4. Improve standards in rented properties

We can expect to hear more about regulation to improve the standards of renting more officially, for example with an official landlords register. The goal here would be to drive out criminal landlords and make sure all tenants have a right to redress. The Bill will likely also cover property conditions and making sure tenants’ homes are safe and livable.

5. Make the possessions process more efficient

We expect the Bill to explore improvements to how the possession process goes through the courts to make it quicker and easier for landlords and tenants.

You can read more about the Renters’ Reform Bill and the government’s public consultation here.