A Fairer Private Rented Sector

Posted on Wednesday, June 22, 2022

  • The government has outlined significant changes to the private rented market in the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper. The measures will form part of the Renters Reform Bill annouced in the Queen's Speech.
  • Section 21 so called 'no-fault' evictions will be banned, as will arbitrary rent review clauses. Notice periods for rent increases will be doubled and a tenancy will only end if a renter requests it or a landlord has a valid reason, which will be defined in law.
  • It will be illegal for landlords or agents to have a blanket ban on allowing pets or renting to families with children, or to those on benefits.
  • The Decent Homes Standard will be extended to the private sector for the first time, with local councils set to have stronger powers to tackle rogue landlords.
  • A new property portal one-stop-shop will be introduced to help landlords comply with and understand their responsibilities, while a new Property Ombudsman will be created to help handle disputes between renters and landlords. Source: Dataloft, DLUHC. Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-fairer-private-rented-sector