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Report maintenance Rental market reform
Its still early days for this new government, but within The Kings Speech Labour wasted no time in confirming that rental reform is still very much a high priority item. And like before abolishment of section 21s is front and centre.
New government priority
Before the former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called an election, the previous government was looking to deliver the Rental Reform Bill. With the calling of the election the bill was not passed before Parliament was prorogued (effectively closed.) There was a cross-party consensus that rental reform was needed, so its not a surprise to see the new government prioritising it.
Key Proposals from The King’s Speech
So as well as section 21 abolishment, what else do we know about what’s being proposed? Here’s the headlines:
- Goodbye, Section 21: No more “no-fault” evictions. Not sure on what a section 21 notice is, have a look at this article.
- Better Section 8 Grounds: Enhanced grounds for possession will help landlords reclaim
properties in specific situations like rent arrears or antisocial behaviour. - Rent Controls: Measures to control rent increases and empower tenants to challenge
unfair hikes. - End to Rental Bidding Wars: Creating a more balanced market by banning bidding wars
for rental properties. - Anti-Discrimination Measures: No more blanket bans on tenants receiving housing
benefits or those with children. It’s about fair access for all. - Pets in Rentals: Tenants will have the right to request a pet. Landlords must consider
these requests reasonably and can request insurance to cover potential damages. - Decent Homes Standard: Extending this standard from the social sector to the private rented sector means landlords must keep properties free from serious hazards like damp and mould.
- New Ombudsman Service: This will provide a low-cost way to resolve disputes without
going to court, benefiting both landlords and tenants. - Digital Database for Private Rented Sector: This database will provide crucial information for tenants and
landlords, helping everyone make informed decisions and stay compliant. - Stronger Enforcement Powers for Councils: Councils will have enhanced powers to
identify and penalise non-compliant landlords, ensuring a higher standard of rental
properties across the board.
When Can We Expect to See Changes?
Labour talks about implementing changes “immediately,” but in reality, turning a bill into law
takes time. Remember, the Renters Reform Bill was introduced two years ago and still isn’t law.
The new government do appear to be in a hurry, however the roll-out of the bill is likely to be gradual.
Preparing for the Future
At The Letting Game, we strive to do more. These reforms are designed to create a fairer, safer,
and more transparent rental market. As landlords, staying informed and adapting to these
changes is crucial. We’re here to help you navigate this new landscape, ensuring you’re always
compliant and your properties are managed efficiently.
We tell it like it is: these changes are coming, and being prepared is half the battle. Stay tuned
for more updates and don’t hesitate to reach out for advice tailored to your specific needs.
