SLS Residential News: Renter Reform Bill Update
What Does The Renters Reform Bill Means For You As A Residential Landlord
No doubt you have read or heard a lot in the news recently regarding the ‘Renters Reform Bill’. Here at SLS Residential we want to ease any anxieties or answer any questions you have about the changes.
The upcoming changes, now in their final stages before implementation, represent the most significant reforms to the private rental sector in years. Depending on whether you are a tenant or a landlord, the Bill is pictured as being either a long awaited rebalancing of the tenant-landlord relationship, or the death knell of the private rented sector. It’s likely that neither of these is the case, but it is essential that we gain a thorough understanding of the changes.
Whilst some consequences of the Act may only become apparent over time. The SLS Residential lettings team are actively taking training on the changes with the professional bodies with whom we are a member, to ensure we can advise you of these changes.
Summary of the Bill.
The Renters (Reform) Bill aims to create a more secure tenancy structure for tenants while giving landlords more control over their properties. The bill will look to have the following changes:
- End of “no fault” evictions: Section 21 evictions, also known as “no fault” evictions, will be abolished. Landlords will only be able to evict tenants in reasonable circumstances.
- Create periodic tenancies: Fixed-term tenancies will be replaced by periodic tenancies, which don’t have an end date.
- Introduce a landlord ombudsman: An ombudsman will help resolve disputes between landlords and tenants without going to court.
- Create a property portal: A property portal will help landlords understand their obligations and help local authorities.
- Strengthen grounds for possession: Landlords will have stronger grounds for possession for rent arrears and anti-social behavior.
- Limit rent increases: There will be limits on how much rents can increase.
- Extend the Decent Homes Standard: The Decent Homes Standard will be extended to private rentals.
- Give tenants the right to keep pets: Landlords will only be able to say no to pets in certain circumstances, such as concerns about the property or other tenants.
- The bill will also extend Awaab’s Law to private rentals, introduce a Private Rented Sector Database, change how rents are reviewed, and increase notice periods.
Need to discuss what this means for you?
If you are unsure of what this means for you,as a residential Landlord. Please do not hesitate to contact our lettings team on 01865 638 646 or send us an email.
