Sweeping changes to renters’ rights are on the horizon this year, with some critics arguing they don’t go far enough. The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to revolutionise the rental market in favour of tenants, with plans from the government to scrap the controversial section 21 “no-fault” evictions, cap initial payments, and bolster enforcement of housing standards.
Have your say! What has your experience been of renting privately in the UK, or the experience of friends and family? Is it too expensive to find decent rented housing? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
The bill tackles a major gripe among UK renters: the dreaded no-fault eviction. Under “section 21”, landlords can evict tenants without a reason once their fixed-term lease ends or if there’s no agreed end date.
Advocates for tenant rights have long anticipated these reforms an idea first proposed by the Conservative government but put on hold over concerns about its effects on landlords.
Furthermore, the bill seeks to make renting more affordable and secure by limiting advance rent payments to just one month and enhancing support for those contesting what they believe to be unjust rent hikes.
The Labour government has turned down calls from campaigners for the implementation of rent control, which would allow authorities to cap rents or hinder rent hikes from surpassing metrics like inflation or wage growth. Ministers are concerned that introducing such measures could deter investment and lessen housing availability for renters.
Tom Darling, director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, told the Mirror that while reforms represent an important step for the UK, more should be done to curb increasing costs. He remarked: “If you’re right on the breadline and your budget has already been massively squeezed by the cost of living, a huge rent increase will act as a sort of de facto eviction notice for you.”
A representative for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government stated: “Our Renters’ Rights Bill will strengthen tenants’ rights by banning section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and while we do not have plans to introduce rent controls, we are taking action to cap rent payable at the start of a tenancy to one month, end unfair bidding wars, and give tenants stronger powers to challenge excessive rent hikes. This is alongside boosting supply by building 1.5 million homes as part of our Plan for Change.”
Have your say! What has your experience been of renting privately in the UK, or the experience of friends and family? Is it too expensive to find decent rented housing? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.