Despite the U-turns and the chaos, the sniping and the gossip, new Housing Secretary Simon Clarke stood up in the Commons and confidently announced that the government’s controversial Renters’ Reform Bill would, in fact,be introduced during this Parliament.
People may be forgiven for questioning the veracity of this claim as so many Government policies have had to be reversed, re-written or reviewed following the fall-out from the previous Chancellor’s mini-Budget and the subsequent appointment of Jeremy Hunt to take the reins at the Treasury.
Nevertheless, Clarke is standing by his predecessor’s pledge to reform the private rented sector before December 2024 – the last possible date before the next General Election.
The government’s proposals, which were earlier this year set out in the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper, included:
- A ban on Section 21 so-called ‘no fault’ evictions and an extension of the Decent Homes Standard.
- An end to arbitrary rent review clauses, giving tenants stronger powers to challenge poor practice and unjustifiable rent increases and enabling them to be repaid rent for non-decent homes.
- Making it illegal for agents or landlords to have blanket bans on renting to families with children or those in receipt of benefits.
- Making it easier for tenants to share their homes with much-loved pets.
This was seen as great news for renters, a balancing of the scales which, it was claimed, had been weighted in favour of landlords for too long.
But then it all went quiet. Nothing happened. Nothing, that is, apart from the dismissal of Michael Gove, the former Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – the mastermind behind the White Paper.
Shortly afterwards, the Prime Minister was toppled, everyone went off on their holidays and a new government marched bravely forward to begin a new era.
Would the Renters’ Reform Bill be a priority in the brave new world?
Simon Clarke has now answered that question – the legislation will be introduced during this Parliament. However, he resisted the opportunity to give us a specific date.
At the moment, it looks like the Bill hasn’t quite been kicked into the long grass, but to continue the sporting analogy, it has been placed firmly in the political corridor of uncertainty.
But is the delay necessarily a bad thing?
Not according to industry commentator and managing director of PayProp, Neil Cobbold.
He believes it offers the government an opportunity to ‘re-evaluate its proposals and ‘get them right.’
He said: “The importance of the housing sector to the economy and to people’s lives mean that it should remain a priority. We ask the government to take into account views from across the industry to ensure we have an efficient and accessible PRS that delivers high-quality housing for all.”
Here at Kings Group, we can help keep you updated on all the rental reform changes, as and when they happen.
To help to come to terms with the future of the market, you need to work with an experienced, reputable lettings agent. We can help you to remain compliant and get the most from your tenancies.
For more information on how we can assist you on your letting journey, please contact one of our branches in Essex, London or Hertfordshire today. We also offer a free and instant online valuation to give you an idea of how much you could be charging in rent.
