What is The Renters Rights Bill & what does it mean for Landlords?
The Renters Rights Bill is the Labour governments proposals to change the private rental sector, giving greater rights and protection to renters. One of the main talking points is banning Section 21 notices, which is how most Landlords currently get possession of their property back. Thankfully the bill would still ensure that legitimate Landlords are still able to gain possession of their rental properties for genuine reasons, such as wanting to sell or move back into the property, or a problem with the tenancy such as rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
Other proposed changes include....
- Changing the method used to increase rents by banning rent review clauses
- Allowing tenants to challenge unfair rent increases
- Changing all tenancies onto a new periodic tenancy system
- A new private rental sector ombudsman
- A digital private rental sector database
- Ending discrimination against tenants with pets, children or on benefits
- Increasing Landlord compliance
- Improving the standard of rental properties
- Rent repayment orders if a Landlord has enforcement action taken against them for breaching regulations.
- Banning rent price bidding wars when advertising/letting properties
- Banning accepting rent in advance (eg. 6 months rent up front)
- Landlords won’t be able to accept rent payments until the tenancy is signed.
- Guarantors will not be responsible for rent payments after a tenants death.
If you would like any advice on the Renters Rights Bill changes, we would be happy to help.