Renters' Rights Bill Introduced to Parliament to End Section 21 Evictions

According to the government, nearly 26,000 households faced homelessness in the last year as a result of a Section 21 eviction. It also said 21% of privately rented homes are considered non-decent and more than 500,000 contain the most serious hazards.

What the Bill proposes

• Abolishing Section 21 evictions for new and existing tenancies in one step.
• Applying a Decent Homes Standard and Awaab's Law to the private rented sector for the first time, with councils able to fine landlords up to £7,000 for failing to address serious hazards.
• Requiring landlords and letting agents to publish an asking rent and banning them from asking for, encouraging or accepting bids above it.
• Banning in-tenancy rent increases written into contracts, with rent rises limited to once a year and to the market rate.
• Ending blanket bans on tenants with children or those in receipt of benefits.
• Creating a new Private Rented Sector Database to help landlords understand their obligations and councils target enforcement.

Who is affected

The government's summary of the Renters' Rights Bill describes it as an overhaul of the private rented sector in England. Landlords and agents will need to review possession strategies, advertising and rent review clauses, and prepare for registration on the new database. The government also said it will set out more detail on minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes by 2030.

What happens next

The Bill now begins its passage through Parliament, where its provisions may be amended. The government has said it will engage with landlord and tenant groups as the Bill progresses so the sector is ready for the changes.

Sources

• GOV.UK: Landmark reforms to give greater security for 11 million renters
• GOV.UK: How we're protecting renters