The Law Society of England and Wales has warned the UK government that rental reform will be difficult to enforce without further clarity around the enforcement provisions in the bill and increased funding of the justice system.

Richard Atkinson, Law Society president, said: “We support the bill’s ambitious efforts, however, we remain concerned that an underfunded justice system will make rental reform difficult to achieve.

“The bill may also lead to more contested hearings…Renters will have a greater ability to challenge evictions, which may lead to additional cases entering the court system.

“While we applaud the government for its great strides to bolster tenant rights, the bill will not be effective without further investment in the justice system. We urge the government to provide greater funding and more clarity to the enforcement provisions so that justice is accessible to renters and landlords alike.”