Under proposals published in a government White Paper, Landlords are to be prevented from evicting tenants in England, without giving a reason!
The Renters Reform Bill will also end blanket bans on benefit claimants or families with children, whilst landlords must also consider requests to allow pets.
The government has also promised tenants stronger powers to:
- Challenge poor practice and unjustified rent increases
- Gain rent refunds for unhealthy, unsafe or poor quality homes.
The Decent Homes Standard will be extended to the private sector, which means that –
- Homes must be free from serious health and safety hazards
- Landlords must keep homes in a good state of repair, with clean and useable facilities
The bill will also:
- End “arbitrary” rent-review clauses, (Meaning tenants can leave poor-quality housing without being liable for the rent)
- Double notice periods for rent increases
- Give councils stronger powers to punish nightmare landlords and increase fines for serious offences
For private landlords –
- A private-renters’ ombudsman to settle disputes in the correct manner
- Ensure that landlords can efficiently & safely recover their properties from nightmare tenants
- A property portal to help landlords comply with their responsibilities and tenants understand their rights
Here’s what Solicitor & Director Jonathan Leach had to say on this news –
“This legislation had the potential to complete alter the legal framework for the private rental sector which, whilst developed in many areas, has been largely unchanged in terms of the eviction process since the mid-1990s.
We will monitor the progress of the legislstion through parliament and ensure our clients, both landlords and tenants, are fully aware of any changes as they become law*
If you need advice on any area of Housing law, whether you are a landlord or tenant, we’ve Got Your Back
Call Jonathan on 01254 31 12 83, email enquiries@watsonramsbottom.com, talk to us via live chat or complete our online enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you.