The proposed upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill is set to bring about significant chances to the residential rental market in England.
Our short series of articles, the first of which can be read here, aim to help you understand the important legislative reforms put forward by the Bill and some of the key changes proposed, some of which we will discuss in further detail in upcoming articles in the series.
Key changes:
- The abolition of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (“ASTs”) – as discussed in our previous article, ASTs are going to be replaced with Assured Tenancies, which means that you will no longer be able to end tenancies on the basis of ‘no fault’.
- Changes to the grounds for possession – with the default residential setting being an Assured Tenancy, you will only be able to regain possession of your property if you can prove a ground for doing so. The Bill proposes to amend and add certain grounds.
- The introduction of a Private Rented Sector Database –the Bill proposes to introduce a database where Landlords will be required to register their properties online and provide evidence of their compliance with certain regulations.
- The right to request permission to keep a pet – a Landlord will now not be able to unreasonably refuse a request by a Tenant to keep a pet.
- Decent Homes Standard (“DHS”) – it is intended that the DHS, which only currently applies to social homes, will now apply to the private rented sector. This aims to make Landlords more accountable for the condition of their rental properties.
- Rent Review and reforms to Rent Repayment Orders (“RRO”) – the Bill will enable Tenants to challenge excessive rent increases. It also proposes to widen the grounds for Tenants bringing a RRO claim against a Landlord, as well as who they are able to claim against.
- Greater protection to Tenants through anti-discriminatory provisions – Landlords will not be able to discriminate against Tenants in relation to their benefits status or if they have children.
- Regulation, enforcement and penalties– Landlord’s will have to adhere to certain regulatory obligations, and the Bill also proposes to crack down on enforcement against Landlords who do not comply with the legislation, which includes imposing more severe penalties for non-compliance.
Our next article in the series will consider the proposed changes to the grounds for obtaining possession.
The above article is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any part of the information given.
Furthermore, the information contained is accurate and up to date as of the date of publication. Readers should be aware that legislative frameworks may have been amended since the original date of publication.