Those who have been monitoring the development (or lack of development) of the proposed changes in the private rental sector will know that it came to a halt during the previous Conservative government. Multiple explanations were given for the sluggish progress, but it was not unexpected that The Renters (Reform) Bill did not get approved in the final days of the previous parliament in the scramble to get other bills passed was being undertaken.
It will come as no surprise to anyone in the sector to hear from today’s King’s Speech that progressing rental reform is something the new Labour government very much want to take forward. We have a change of title to get used to – the Renters (Reform) Bill has become the Renters’ Rights Bill – but all the preliminary indications are that this new Bill will be more than just a name change.
The Labour party have previously indicated their support of broadening ‘Awaab’s Law’ (to provisions that currently apply only in the social housing sector that set a strict timetable for repair works, require tenants to be moved to temporary accommodation if needed etc) and it seems these provisions will be featuring in this new Bill. There may well be other significant changes to the previous Bill to watch out for.
It will be very interesting to see the progress of this Bill. Whilst the new government may be keen to make its mark by bringing rental reform forward at pace, one of the big concerns regarding the disappearance of the accelerated possession process has been the ability of the courts to cope with an increased volume of ‘standard’ possession proceedings, given that at least one hearing is always needed, quite possible several hearings if the matter is defended.
But one thing seems certain. Given the size of the majority, change in the sector now seems imminent. Keep an eye on our social media pages and the insights section of our website to be kept up to date with the latest information as news of changes to the Bill emerge.
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