What Does the Renters’ Reform Bill Mean for Landlords & Tenants?
The Fairer Private Rental Sector White Paper, which was published on June 16, 2022, will ensure that millions of households profit from living in high-quality, well-maintained homes as part of the largest reformation of the private rental sector in 30 years.
The white paper symbolises a generational shift that will balance the relationship between the 4.4 million tenants of private rental properties and the owners of such properties. It offers more help for the cost of living concerns with safeguards for even the most disadvantaged, in addition to improved methods to resist arbitrary and unjustified rent increases.
This is a component of a bigger reform initiative that, through expanding housing options and tenant and homeowner protections, seeks to level the playing field for all individuals.
What is the Renters’ Reform Bill?
The bill was first introduced by Theresa May’s administration in April 2019 as a “step shift” in renter protection, removing no-fault evictions and granting tenants and landlords new rights. The “largest transformation in the private rental industry in a generation” was praised.
The Renters’ Reform Bill has been issued by the government, and it has been said that it will become law by the close of 2022. According to the Renters’ Reform Bill’s latest news, organisations fighting for renters and those lobbying for private landlords have quite different points of view. In general, landlord organisations have opposed the repeal of Section 21, whereas tenant organisations favour it.
The white paper, according to Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter, “changes the game” for private tenants. To guarantee that tenancy reform is effective, local governments have emphasised the necessity for robust enforcement capabilities and resources. It is obvious that there are differences of opinion on the possible impact on the private renting market, and only time will tell how the suggested reforms would affect both landlords and tenants.
New Renters’ Reform Bill Rules for Landlords in 2022
Removal of Section 21
Private landlords can reclaim their houses from guaranteed shorthold tenants according to the Renters’ Reform Bill Section 21 without having to prove the tenant’s fault. It is often known as a “no-fault eviction.”
According to private renters, their representative groups, and industry professionals, the landlord’s authority to terminate an assured shorthold lease with little notice has a detrimental influence on renters’ well-being.
Changes to Rent Hikes
The measure seeks to eliminate the use of rent review agreements which prohibit renters from being trapped in automatic rent increases and limit rent increases to once per year. Landlords will also be required to provide renters with two months’ notice of any rent increases in order to assist tenants in managing their rising living costs and affording to stay in their rental. The measures would also restrict the amount of rent that may be requested in advance, as this would be expensive for the majority of tenants.
Raising Living Standards
According to the government’s current law, all private rentals must offer renters a safe and secure residence free of major health and safety dangers, noise reduction measures, and enough facilities for personal hygiene, cooking, and heating.
Stop Blanket Bans
As new laws and regulations were implemented, many landlords started imposing blanket restrictions on who they leased to. This made it more difficult for those with children, on benefits, or with pets to keep or find new housing, and many were afraid of becoming homeless.
To reduce this and provide a more pleasurable rental experience for many, landlords will be prohibited from blanket bans excluding tenants based on their specific circumstances. Landlords will be unable to decline inquiries unless they have a justifiable objection, which has yet to be established.
New Mandatory Ombudsman
A single government-approved Ombudsman would create a new platform for landlords and renters to promptly resolve disputes outside of the courts. The Ombudsman would have the ability to put things right for the tenant, intending to provide tenants with access to fairer solutions to numerous concerns. Landlords will be required to join the Ombudsman. All landlords will receive guidance on how to meet their obligations and, if required, reclaim their properties in a more equitable manner.
How Pinpoint Homes Can Help with the Renters’ Reform Bill
While the majority of renters enjoy safe and secure housing, this “New Deal” will finally bring to the private sector decent housing standards, leveling the playing field for the 21% of private renters and families who now reside in unfit housing. In order for tenants to have clean, suitable, and usable amenities, residences must be free from major health and safety dangers, and landlords must maintain dwellings in a decent state of repair and cleanliness.
Make the best first impression by getting your property professionally cleaned by Pinpoint Homes. View our cleaning services here or get in touch with us today.
