A New Labour Government: Renters Rights Bill

Renters' Rights Bill: What You Need to Know

The new Renters' Rights Bill is officially in motion, and we await the full publication of its details. It's expected to incorporate key provisions from the previous Renters Reform Bill, which gained cross-party support during the last administration.

Key changes anticipated in the new legislation include:

• Abolition of Section 21 Notices: Ending "no-fault" evictions.
• Standardisation of Periodic Tenancies: Making periodic tenancies the norm.
• Extended Notice for Rent Increases: Doubling the notice period landlords must give for rent hikes.
• Tenant Rights for Pets: Tenants gaining more freedom to keep pets in rental properties.
• Introduction of a Landlord Ombudsman: A new ombudsman to handle disputes involving all private landlords.
• Creation of a Property Portal: A resource for both private landlords and tenants.
• Application of the Decent Homes Standard: Extending this standard to the private rental sector.
• Ending Discriminatory Practices: Banning discrimination against families with children or tenants on benefits.

Additionally, Awaab’s Law is expected to be part of the bill, granting renters the right to challenge dangerous and unsafe housing conditions.

Looking Ahead

While these reforms have been long anticipated, we will provide further updates on the Renters' Rights Bill as more information becomes available in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, one major concern remains the lack of housing supply. The government must carefully balance its policies to avoid pushing responsible landlords out of the market, which could worsen the housing shortage. It's essential to remember that pitting landlords against tenants doesn't benefit either party.

Ultimately, landlords want tenants who pay rent on time and take good care of the property, while tenants seek high-quality housing. The key is finding solutions that meet the needs of both sides.

What Landlords Can Do Now

As the new legislation rolls out, landlords should take this time to review their insurance policies, ensuring adequate coverage for loss of rent and legal expenses. Staying proactive about these changes will help ease the transition.

How We Can Help

At Emsleys, we pride ourselves on reducing the risks associated with renting and work tirelessly to match the right tenants with the right landlords. Our commitment to quality service speaks for itself.

Additionally, we offer rent insurance warranties through our partner company for qualifying tenancies. If you'd like to discuss your needs or learn more about how we can help, don't hesitate to reach out.

Stay tuned for more updates!