The Queen’s Speech brings back into focus The Renter’s Reform Bill

LEGISLATION - RESIDENTIAL

As a result of the Pandemic, proposed legislation has been put on the back burner. The Queen’s Speech brings back into focus the Renter’s Reform Bill, the Briefing Document highlights the main elements of the Bill which are as follows:-

● Abolishment of the so-called ‘no fault’ evictions by removing Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. This has been a very key topic, but the general feeling is that with the private rented sector having almost doubled in size in the past 10 years, this is will be welcome news for tenants.

● Reforming Section 8 and the possession grounds for landlords, introducing new and stronger grounds for repeated incidences of rent arrears and reducing notice periods for anti-social behaviour. Amending the Section 8 notice will need to consider what happens when a landlord needs to move back in or sell their property.

● Application of the legally binding Decent Homes Standard in the Private Rented Sector giving tenants safer, better quality and better value homes.

● The introduction of a new Ombudsman for private landlords so that disputes can easily be resolved without the need to go to court.

● The introduction of a new property portal to help landlords understand their obligations and to give tenants performance information to hold their landlord accountable.