Positive changes ahead for renters

More than ten million renters will no longer face the threat of ‘no fault’ evictions or have their pets banned under new reforms introduced in Parliament last week.

Under the Renters’ Reform Bill, which is being heralded as a once-in-a-generation overhaul of the private rental market in England, landlords would be banned from evicting tenants without a reason.

They would only be able to ask tenants to leave in certain circumstances, including when they wish to sell the property or when they or a close family member want to move in. However, they will be allowed to put the property back on the rental market after three months of asking a tenant to leave for these reasons.

What’s a no-fault eviction?

A no-fault eviction is a key piece of housing legislation. Known formally as Section 21, it allows landlords to evict tenants without having to give a reason.

After receiving a Section 21 notice, tenants have two months before their landlord can apply for a court order to evict them.

How else would renters benefit from the Renters’ Reform Bill?

The bill sets out that it would also be illegal for a landlord to refuse tenancies to families on the basis that they have children or are receiving benefits. Additionally, it would give tenants the legal right to keep a pet in their home, with landlords no longer being able to unreasonably refuse. 

It would also put an end to huge and unfair rent increases, allowing tenants to challenge above-market-rate rent increases through tribunal. But landlords will still be able to raise rents annually to reflect market prices.

The new law would also make it easier for landlords to repossess their properties from anti-social tenants or when someone fails to pay the rent.

Housing Secretary Michael Gove has said that he hopes the bill would become law by the end of the year.