What does the government’s new Renters’ Rights Bill mean for tenants and landlords?

A new Renters’ Rights Bill, designed to give tenants greater protections, was one of the measures outlined to Parliament in the new government’s King’s Speech on 17 July 2024.

The bill picks up many measures proposed in the previous government’s Renters Reform Bill, which didn’t make it onto the statute books before the July election.

These include an end to Section 21 no-fault evictions, alongside new grounds for landlords to regain possession of their properties.

The Renters’ Rights Bill aims to strengthen tenants’ legal protections – by allowing them to challenge rent increases, for example. The legislation will also seek to prevent “bidding wars” by landlords which see tenants vying for the same property.

Tenants will be able to request the right to keep pet, which can only be refused on reasonable grounds. However, landlords will be able to ask for insurance to cover any damage.

A new decent homes standard will be applied to the private rented sector with the aim of making sure homes are safe, secure and hazard-free. This would include applying ‘Awaab’s Law’ to privately rented housing. The law, which currently covers social housing, gives landlords clear legal timeframes to deal with serious hazards.

A database for the sector will be developed, to include key information for tenants, landlords and local councils. The aim is to help tenants make informed choices and help landlords better understand their responsibilities.

It will also be illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants receiving benefits or who have children.

A new ombudsman service will help to resolve disputes, reducing the need for tenants and landlords to go to court.

And the bill will strengthen councils’ enforcement powers, making it easier to identify and penalise rogue landlords.

Read more about the bill on the Landlord Today website.