Angela Rayner will introduce the Renters’ Rights Bill TODAY

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will introduce the Renters’ Rights Bill to Parliament today, which aims to end Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and provide greater protections for renters.

The Bill, which reaches its second reading, marks a big step towards overhauling the private rented sector (PRS) and delivering on the Labour’s manifesto commitment to give renters more security.

Ms Rayner said: “I am determined to get this Bill in to law as soon as possible.

“The thousands of children and families living in unsafe housing or under the cruel threat of a Section 21 eviction notice have been waiting far too long already.

“We will deliver on our promise to renters and transform the sector into one where families can put down roots, where children can grow up in healthy homes, and where young people can save for their future.”

‘Biggest shake up of the rental market’

Chris Norris, the policy and campaigns director for the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), said: “The changes MPs will debate are the biggest shake up of the rental market for over 30 years.

“The proposed reforms need to secure the confidence of both tenants and responsible landlords if they are to work.

“Whilst the Bill should ensure that every tenant can live securely in decent housing, it should also avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater.”

He adds: “Private tenants are more likely to be happy with the housing services provided to them than all other tenures, with 82% reporting satisfaction with their accommodation.

“The reality is that the vast majority of tenants already have a good relationship with their landlord. This should be the norm for everyone in the sector.”

‘Rights of both tenants and landlords’

Nathan Emerson, the chief executive at Propertymark, said: “Legislation must be balanced when it comes to protecting the rights of both tenants and landlords, something Propertymark has long argued for.

“However, there must be a workable system implemented that delivers fairness for everyone.

“Tenants should be confident they have a stable and secure home, and landlords must be able to gain possession of their properties from disruptive tenants via adequate means.”

Renters’ Rights Bill

The Renters’ Rights Bill includes several key measures, including:

• Banning Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions: Labour says this will give 11 million private renters immediate security and assurance so they can stay in their homes for longer and build lives in their communities
• Clamping down on unfair rent increases: Landlords will only be allowed to raise the rent once a year and only to the market rate
• Extending the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to the private sector: This will significantly reduce the number of poor-quality privately rented homes and empower tenants to raise concerns about damp, dangerous and cold homes
• Introducing a new Ombudsman service: This will provide a quicker resolution over disputes and reduce the need to go through the courts
• Giving local councils stronger powers to crack down on unscrupulous landlords: Maximum fines will be increased to up to £40,000 for serious offenders
• Creating a new database for landlords: This will help councils drive out the minority of criminal landlords
• Allowing tenants to request to have a pet: Landlords will not be able to unreasonably refuse.

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