The Renters Rights Bill has just completed its journey through the House of Lords, marking a significant step towards becoming law. This proposed legislation represents one of the most substantial overhauls of landlord-tenant law in a generation. In this article, we explain what the Renters Rights Bill includes, what has happened so far, and what landlords and letting agents can expect next.
What is the Renters’ Rights Bill?
The Renters Rights Bill sets out major reforms intended to rebalance the private rental sector. One of the most notable changes is the abolition of fixed-term tenancies. Instead, all tenancies will be converted to rolling, periodic agreements. Additionally, the bill will end Section 21 no-fault evictions, meaning landlords will need to give a valid reason for ending a tenancy.
Other key elements include enhanced rights for tenants with pets, changes to rent increase processes, and strengthened powers for local councils to enforce housing standards.
Progress So Far
The bill was introduced by the government last September and has since passed through several stages in the House of Commons. During this process, Members of Parliament debated its contents, proposed amendments, and ultimately passed the draft legislation to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.
Amendments from the House of Lords
The House of Lords examined the Renters Rights Bill in detail and suggested several amendments, including:
- Allowing landlords to request a pet deposit equivalent to three weeks’ rent, where a tenant has a pet.
- Reducing the period a property must remain unlet after a landlord regains possession to sell it, from 12 months to six months.
- Introducing exemptions or adjustments for specialist housing needs, such as properties used by carers or agricultural workers.
- Proposing specific rules for student tenancies, so that they can end in line with academic terms.
- Recommending increased investment in the courts and tribunal system to ensure it can manage the anticipated rise in legal cases.
The Lords also raised questions around the standard of evidence required before local authorities can issue civil penalties for breaches of tenancy law, as well as how best to support letting agents with compliance under the new rules.
Government Amendments at Lords Stage
At this stage, the government made several changes to the Renters Rights Bill, including:
- Scrapping the requirement for tenants with pets to have pet insurance.
- Giving local authorities the right to inspect rental properties without prior notice to the landlord.
- Exempting existing tenancies from new rules on paying rent in advance.
- Clarifying the effective date of a rent increase if challenged and taken to a tribunal.
These amendments aim to strike a balance between tenant protection and practical implementation for landlords and letting agents.
When Will the Renters’ Rights Bill Become Law?
The Renters Rights Bill will now return to the House of Commons, where MPs will consider the Lords’ amendments. Given the government’s strong majority, most of the proposed changes are unlikely to be accepted. After this final stage, the bill will proceed to Royal Assent and become law.
However, the House of Commons is now in summer recess, meaning no further progress will be made until Parliament returns in September. Current forecasts suggest the bill could pass into law just before or shortly after the Labour Party Conference, which begins on 28 September.
It is also important to note that many of the new rules will not take effect immediately. Instead, they are expected to be phased in gradually over the coming months, allowing time for adjustment across the sector.
Supporting Landlords Through Change
If you are a landlord seeking clarity on how the Renters Rights Bill might impact your property or portfolio, we’re here to help. From understanding new tenancy structures to managing compliance and timelines, our team can provide up-to-date guidance tailored to your needs.
We hope you found this update useful. Please feel free to share it with other landlords, letting agents or property professionals who may benefit from this information.
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