Renters’ Reform Bill enters parliament

The Renters’ Reform Bill has been introduced to parliament today, despite fears that the government may run out of time to pass it into law. The bill will aim to deliver the government’s 2019 manifesto commitment to abolish ‘no fault’ residential evictions, but also make it easier for landlords to recover properties when they need to. Notice periods will also be reduced where tenants have proven to be irresponsible – for example breaching their tenancy agreement or causing damage to the property. A new Ombudsman will also be established by the legislation to provide quicker and cheaper resolutions to disputes, while a new digital property portal will enable landlords to better understand their obligations. Secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities Michael Gove (pictured) said: “Too many renters are living in damp, unsafe, cold homes, powerless to put things right, and with the threat of sudden eviction hanging over them. “This government is determined to tackle these injustices by offering a new deal to those living in the private rented sector; one with quality, affordability, and fairness at its heart.” The government will also bring forward legislation as part of the bill to apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time. It will also make blanket bans on tenants on benefits or with children illegal. BPF policy director Ian Fletcher said: “We have long supported many of the bill’s provisions, [but] the abolition of no-fault evictions needs to happen in tandem with essential court reform. While court procedures are a last resort, the reforms set out in the bill will mean that all good reasons for landlords wanting their property back will now have to go to court, and without digitalisation of the courts these proceedings will be lengthy and expensive.” He added that by not prescribing a minimum tenancy length in the Bill, the government “further risks fuelling a booming short-lets market, where holiday lets replace much needed permanent homes”. However, the government is fast running out of time to pass new bills. Speaking on EG’s Office Politics podcast, former housing minister Mark Prisk said that the election timetable gave ministers until July to get legislation on the statute book. Concerns have already been raised by Conservative MPs that even the flagship Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill may not make it through in time, as it has become mired in amendments in the House of Lords. Another planned bill from Gove’s department, the Leasehold Reform Bill, looks to have been scrapped or indefinitely postponed to free up legislative space. But with other controversial legislation being pushed through, such as the Online Safety Bill, parliamentary time is now at a premium. To send feedback, e-mail piers.wehner@eg.co.uk or tweet @PiersWehner or @EGPropertyNews Photo © Tolga Akmen/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock