Renters Rights Bill – An end to No-Fault Evictions?

This week, the government introduced the Renters Rights Bill to the House of Commons which will change the rental landscape in England.  

The key provisions are: 

• To ban fixed-term tenancies, with all current shorthold tenancies moving to periodic tenancies;  

• Will ban section 21 “no-fault” evictions, which currently give landlords in England the power to evict tenants after their fixed term has expired, which, unlike section 8, typically requires cause, or a breach of the tenancy agreement; 

• Increase the amount of rent arrears needed before being able to serve notice of possession on tenants from the current two-months to three-months, as well as increasing the notice period from 2-weeks to 4-weeks. 

Other provisions

The Bill also gives tenants the right to request a pet in the property and bans landlords from discriminating against potential tenants who are in receipt of benefits. 

A bill goes through many stages before becoming law, including multiple readings in both the House of Commons and approval by the House of Lords. Once both Houses have agreed on the bill, it then goes to the Monarch for Royal assent, becoming an Act of Parliament.  
 
Whilst there has been cross-party consensus on the matter for several years, the previous Conservative government consistently postponed the implementation of the ban on evictions under Section 21, despite repeatedly promising its abolition. Given the existing consensus, it is expected that the new Bill will pass into law sooner rather than later.  
 

Bolstering the rights of tenants

The new Bill aims to further bolster tenants’ rights and implement stringent measures against unethical landlords abusing the system, though some landlords have suggested that the Renters Rights Bill tips the scale too far in favour of tenants. 
 
There are concerns that the court system will be subjected to greater pressure as a result of the banning of evictions under section 21, as landlords will be required to attend Court Hearings in order to try and regain their properties. The Bill also aims to provide tenants with additional rights to contest rent increases, in addition to introducing new legislation to end the practice of ‘rental bidding wars’. 
 
In addition, the Bill also broadens “Awaab’s law” – named after the young child who passed away in his family’s social rented accommodation – as a result of mould exposure, to the private sector. 

Landlords concerned about the impact of the Bill should look to act now in order to protect their investment. 

Specialist Property Litigation

If you are currently looking to reclaim your property, speak to the specialist landlord department at DCB Legal to learn more about the options available to you. Call 0203 434 0426, or visit our landlord services page today.