Millions of renters in England are now closer to gaining enhanced rights following the official approval of a new law.
The Renters’ Rights Bill has obtained Royal Assent, with the Government stating its impact on 11 million private renters and 2.3 million landlords.
Key provisions in the Bill include the elimination of Section 21 evictions and expanded rights for pet ownership. However, these regulations are not yet in effect and will specifically apply to rentals in England. Further details on the implementation of the reforms will be disclosed in the upcoming weeks.
Described as a “generational upgrade to renters’ rights” by the Renters’ Reform Coalition, which comprises Shelter, Generation Rent, and Citizens Advice, the changes have been met with positivity. The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has expressed its commitment to collaborating with the Government to ensure fair and achievable enforcement of the reforms.
The Renters’ Rights Bill will put an end to Section 21 evictions, which enable landlords to terminate a tenancy without cause. Landlords are restricted from selling or occupying a property within the initial 12 months of a tenancy, after which a four-month notice period is mandated.
Additionally, tenants can be evicted if they fall behind on rent, cause property damage, or engage in antisocial behavior. The threshold for issuing a Section 8 eviction notice due to rent arrears will be raised from two to three months.
Under the new regulations, all tenancies will be rolling rather than fixed-term, with existing fixed-term agreements transitioning to periodic tenancies. Tenants will have enhanced rights to request pet ownership, and landlords must consider such requests reasonably.
Furthermore, discrimination against benefit claimants or families with children by landlords or estate agents will be outlawed. Offers above the advertised rent will no longer be permitted, thereby eliminating bidding wars and ensuring fair access to affordable housing.
Landlords and estate agents will be mandated to disclose an asking rent for their property, and any offers exceeding this rate will be illegal.