Renters Rights Bill – date set for next stage

It’s been revealed that the House of Lords’ so-called Report Stage for the Renters Rights Bill will now be on July 1.

It is expected to have a non-controversial Third Reading in the Lords on the same day, meaning that the Bill will then follow tradition and return to the House of Commons.

In theory the Commons and Lords, if in significant disagreement, could bat the Bill to and fro for some time – but both major parties in the Commons and Lords have relatively few significant disagreements over the Bill.

That means it will almost certainly go for Royal Assent and thus become law before the Commons’ summer recess on July 22.

Summary of the Bill:

The Renters’ Rights Bill aims to overhaul the private rented sector in England, granting tenants greater security and rights, while also imposing new obligations on landlords. Key changes include banning Section 21 evictions, replacing fixed-term tenancies with periodic tenancies, and introducing new rent increase regulations and procedures. 

• Abolition of S21 evictions:
  Landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason, such as rent arrears or breaches of the tenancy agreement;

• Periodic Tenancies:
  Fixed-term tenancies will be abolished, and all tenancies will be converted to periodic tenancies, allowing tenants to end the tenancy with two months’ notice;

• Rent Increase Regulations:
  Rent increases will be limited to once per year and must be communicated with at least two months’ notice, along with justification for the increase; 

• End to Bidding Wars:
  Landlords and agents will be prohibited from encouraging or accepting offers above the advertised rent;

• New Decent Homes Standard:
  A new Decent Homes Standard (DHS) will be introduced for the private rented sector; 

• Awaab’s Law Application:
  Awaab’s Law will be applied to the private rented sector, requiring landlords to address hazards within a specified time period;

• Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman:
  A new ombudsman will be established to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants; 

• Private Rented Sector Database:
  All landlords will be required to register themselves and their properties on a new database;

• Discrimination Bans:
  Landlords and agents will be prohibited from discriminating against prospective tenants based on their receipt of benefits or having children; 

• Pet Ownership:
  Tenants will have the right to request reasonable consent for pet ownership. 

This article is taken from Landlord Today