Millions of private renters across England are set to benefit from the most significant transformation of housing laws in a generation, as the government's long-awaited Renters' Reform Bill finally moves forward.
End of Section 21 'No-Fault' Evictions
The landmark legislation will abolish Section 21 evictions, which currently allow landlords to remove tenants without providing a reason. This controversial practice has been blamed for creating insecurity and homelessness among renters.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove described the reforms as delivering a 'fairer deal for renters' while maintaining protections for responsible landlords. The changes aim to strike a balance between tenant security and landlords' ability to manage their properties effectively.
Ban on Rental Bidding Wars
In a move to tackle the affordability crisis, the bill will prohibit landlords and agents from encouraging tenants to bid against each other by offering above the advertised rent. This practice has become increasingly common in competitive rental markets, particularly in major cities.
The new rules will require:
- Transparent advertising of rental properties
- Fixed rental prices that cannot be inflated through bidding
- Clear communication about rental terms before tenancy agreements are signed
Strengthened Landlord Rights and New Ombudsman
While tenant protections are being enhanced, the government has also addressed landlords' concerns about regaining possession of their properties when necessary. The reforms will strengthen Section 8 eviction grounds, making it easier for landlords to remove tenants for legitimate reasons such as persistent rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will be established to provide faster and cheaper resolutions to disputes between landlords and tenants, reducing the need for costly court proceedings.
Digital Property Portal and Tenant Rights
The legislation introduces a digital property portal that will help landlords understand their legal obligations while enabling tenants to make more informed choices about potential rental properties.
Additional protections include:
- The right for tenants to request a pet in their property
- Protection against blanket bans on tenants with children or receiving benefits
- Stronger powers for local authorities to enforce standards
After facing significant delays and pressure from backbench MPs, the bill is now expected to progress through Parliament with cross-party support, though the timeline for implementation remains uncertain.
