Approximately 11 million tenants across England will soon benefit from safer, fairer and higher quality homes thanks to a once-in-a-generation overhaul of landmark reforms introduced by the Government (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-introduces-landmark-reforms-to-deliver-fairer-private-rented-sector-for-tenants-and-landlords).
The new Renters Bill was introduced to Parliament on the 17th May 2023 and delivers the government’s 2019 commitment to abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, allowing renters to challenge landlords for repairs or rent rises without fear of being evicted (https://www.channel4.com/news/factcheck/factcheck-what-is-the-renters-reform-bill-and-what-does-it-mean-to-abolish-no-fault-eviction).
According to the charity Shelter, 24,060 households were threatened with homelessness in England as a result of a Section 21 no-fault eviction in 2022 – 50 per cent higher than 2021 (https://www.channel4.com/news/factcheck/factcheck-what-is-the-renters-reform-bill-and-what-does-it-mean-to-abolish-no-fault-eviction). For a long time, renters have faced difficulties and uncertainty, paying sky-high rents in return for poor living conditions, with no protection or security if they complain. The removal of ‘no fault’ evictions is therefore a significant step towards tackling our national homelessness crisis.
The new Bill also protects over 2 million landlords, making it easier for them to recover properties when they need to – so they can sell their property if they want to, move in a close family member, or when tenants do not pay rent. Notice periods will also be reduced where tenants have been careless – for instance, breaching their tenancy agreement or causing damage to the property (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-introduces-landmark-reforms-to-deliver-fairer-private-rented-sector-for-tenants-and-landlords).