The Renters (Reform) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 17 May 2023, delivering the government’s 2019 manifesto commitment to abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, which it says, ‘will empower renters to challenge poor landlords without fear of losing their home.’

The government also says that the new Bill will protect over 2m landlords, ‘making it easier for them to recover properties when they need to – so they can sell their property if they want to, move in a close family member, or when tenants wilfully do not pay rent. Notice periods will also be reduced where tenants have been irresponsible – for example breaching their tenancy agreement or causing damage to the property.’

The Bill announces that the following proposals will be brought before Parliament:
• Landlords will now no longer be able to take back possession of rental properties using Section 21.
• A new Ombudsman will be set up to settle disputes and relieve pressure on the courts system.
• Alongside these proposals a digital Property Portal to better inform landlords and tenants of their rights and obligations will also be established.
• Tenants will be granted the legal right to request that a pet be allowed to stay in their rental property.

Following close consultation with the NRLA, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) has taken into account several of the organisation’s proposals in the drafting of this legislation.

These include a commitment from the Government that they will focus action on helping landlords to deal with anti-social tenants or tenants refusing to pay rent. Likewise, DLUHC has also taken on board NRLA proposals to improve the speed of court possession hearings through the use of digital platforms. As a result of NRLA campaigning, councils will also be forced to report on the extent to which they are enforcing regulations designed to root out rogue and criminal landlords from the sector.