“Greater rights and protections to people renting their homes.” Renter’s Rights Bill 2024
“Greater rights and protections to people renting their homes.” Renter’s Rights Bill 2024
The content of the King’s Speech gave us more detail on measures included in the Labour Party’s manifesto. It will not have surprised many in the private rental sector. The plans to increase renters’ rights and protections have long been discussed, as has the commitment to ban no-fault evictions. No doubt, there will be some in the sector relieved that, for now, more stringent measures such as rent controls aren’t included in the plans.
Firstly, let’s clarify something. The previous government’s Renters (Reform) Bill has had something of a rebrand. It’s been replaced by a new Renter’s Rights Bill. But the repeal of Section 21 is still a part of it. Another detail still included is the National digital database of landlords and their properties.
The new bill aims to apply the Decent Homes Standard, previously applicable to social housing, across the entire rental sector and to give local authorities more powers to enforce the standard. Awaab’s Law, which relates to issues caused by damp and mould, will also apply to the private rental sector.
One of the new government’s stated aims is to give tenants greater stability and security. There’s a clear recognition that millions now rent long-term, and in a nod to this, there’s an undertaking to give tenants the right to have a pet – although landlords will be able to stipulate that tenants have appropriate insurance cover in place.
Perhaps this last move is a recognition – albeit a small one – of the challenges landlords face. Noises have been made about the role and contribution of responsible landlords and the protection of their rights. The ambitious plan to build 1.5 million new homes – across all tenures – will be years in the delivery. Any measures which drive the good private landlords out of the sector now will only add to the insecurity and injustice that Keir Starmer wants to eliminate.
But landlords and letting agents shouldn’t make the mistake of thinking their actions are not being scrutinised. Things that have become widespread practice will be banned. There are plans to put a stop to bidding wars. And, although there are no proposed rent controls per se, rent increases that are deemed unfair or viewed as attempts to deliberately force out an existing tenant will be outlawed.
The Government wants to see fundamental reform of the private rental sector and improved housing quality. The first steps in its plan have been outlined in the King’s Speech. There’s nothing too contentious so far, but, as always, the devil hides in the details. Watch out for that.
