Salford Citizens Advice

Private tenancies – Renters’ Rights Bill published:
The Government has published its Renters’ Rights Bill (“the RRB”). The provisions are, to a large extent, based on the last Government’s abandoned Renters (Reform) Bill, but there is a significant shift in emphasis and some important changes.

We welcome these proposals, especially the move to end Section 21 ‘no fault evictions’; which are the largest cause of homelessness in Salford; and is something that we have been campaigning to change for many years.

The main provisions of the Bill are to:

  • abolish Section 21 ‘no fault evictions’ for new and existing tenancies
  • abolish assured shorthold tenancies and the use of fixed terms
  • require tenants to give 2 months’ notice to terminate a tenancy
  • introduce new and revised possession grounds, including where a landlord wishes to sell, or move themselves or a family member in
  • increase the required period of arrears for Ground 8 possession from 2 months/8 weeks to 3 months/13 weeks
  • extend tenancy deposit protection rules to all assured tenancies
  • prevent landlords and agents accepting more than the advertised rent
  • restrict in-tenancy rent increases to once a year and require landlords to use the section 13 Housing Act 1988 procedure – meaning rent cannot exceed market rent
  • give tenants the right to request a pet. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse but there will be an implied tenancy term that tenants must have pet insurance
  • give tenants the right to a written statement of tenancy terms
  • make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children, subject to exceptions
  • apply ‘Awaab’s Law’ to private rents, setting time-frames within which landlords must make homes safe
  • apply a Decent Homes Standard to private rented properties
  • require landlords to register with an approved redress scheme
  • establish a private rented sector database
  • extend the offences for which a Rent Repayment Order can be made, double the rental period available for an order to 2 years, and extend the application deadline to 2 years
  • strengthen local councils’ enforcement and investigatory powers to make it easier for councils to identify and take action against unscrupulous landlords.

Important: These are proposed changes, and “Section 21” has not yet been abolished. The Bill will have its second reading on 9 October 2024 and is likely to be subject to amendments as it passes through Parliament.

Unfortunately, as the law is changed, we think there is a real risk of a spike in Section 21 eviction activity. If you are affected, you can ask us for advice.

 

Tom Togher,

September 2024.