Controversial Renters Reform Bill to be published next week – possibly

Controversial Renters Reform Bill to be published next week – possibly

14:29 PM, 4th May 2023, About 2 years ago 41

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The long-awaited Renters’ Reform Bill which could lead to a massive shake-up of the private rented sector (PRS) is set to be published next week.

However, there is no confirmed date and no mention of it in the Parliamentary timetable for next week.

And the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities could not confirm a specific date or time for the Bill’s publication to Property118 because of the King’s Coronation this weekend. However, it was confirmed that the Bill will be published.

The Bill is set to include a wide range of reforms for the PRS and is expected to include scrapping Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and giving all tenants the right to request a pet in their home.

It was first announced by the government in April 2019 and in June 2022, the government published a white paper, A Fairer Private Rented Sector, which outlined some of the reforms.

‘Better protected against arbitrary rent increases’

On Sky News, housing secretary Michael Gove confirmed the Bill will be published next week.

He said: “The Renters Reform Bill will change the way in which the relationship between landlords and tenants work, providing tenants with new protection which should ensure they are better protected against arbitrary rent increases.”

However, there is nothing currently scheduled for next week’s Parliamentary timetable.

‘Much-needed clarity for letting agents and landlords’

In response to the news, Ben Beadle, the chief executive of the National Residential Landlords’ Association (NRLA) posted on Twitter: “As expected, the Renters Reform Bill will be published next week. Confirmed by the Secretary of State this morning. Should be an interesting week.”

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns, at Propertymark, said: “This announcement and the long-awaited introduction of legislation from the UK Government to reform the private rented sector in England will help bring much-needed clarity for letting agents and their landlords.

“The Legislation is likely to focus on improving standards and the quality of property in the sector so Propertymark will be scrutinising the proposals, pushing for amendments where necessary and championing the role of letting agents to ensure the reforms are workable and fit for purpose.”


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Dylan Morris

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8:44 AM, 10th May 2023, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Derek STOBBS at 10/05/2023 - 08:32Well going forward you won’t even be able to issue a section 21. You’ll be going to court on bended knee to persuade a Judge to grant you possession and the Judge will throw your case out because tenants are “allowed to make changes to their home”. The fact that tenants have crayoned on the walls then painted them brown is none of your business.

AT

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8:50 AM, 10th May 2023, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Derek STOBBS at 10/05/2023 - 08:32
It's cases like these that make landlords powerless and going forward It's a double whammy... Giving tenants more powers and taking away from landlords at the same time.

This reform is the pivotal point in our decisions.

GlanACC

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8:57 AM, 10th May 2023, About 2 years ago

I also had a disabled tenant, he contacted the council and they told him He was 'within his rights' to have the property modified to his needs. So he asked me to pay for the modifications. I told him where to get off and refused his request to modify the property unless he could legaly confirm the councils 'opinion'. Nothing more happened and he is gone now, but it does mean disabled people will be able to extensively modify the property. I don't think the landlord will ever have to pay (would Labour do that ?) but who pays to restore the property ?

AT

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9:21 AM, 10th May 2023, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Derek STOBBS at 10/05/2023 - 08:57
The biggest issue we face at end of tenancies is not knowing how clean the property is, we normally do a pre exit check to get an idea of any issues that may crop up at end of tenancy inventory check and list them beforehand.

Restoration may not happen to your standards, I strongly feel here in UK people lack the basic civic sense and have a sense of entitlement. Our new Hong Kong tenants asked us if they need to redecorate when they leave 🙂

So do you accept bad restoration and fix it yourself for a fast turnaround to re-Let or do you chase the tenant who is no longer interested or worse still damaged the property.

No matter how positive I think about the future of PRS for us, I see traps.

It's becoming a large scale commercial game with strict control, a landlord with a few properties is open to abuse.

GlanACC

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9:32 AM, 10th May 2023, About 2 years ago

Although I have had a few bad tenants, most of my tenants have been long term 4+ years. I don't take deposits and I do a complete gut and repaint when each tenant leaves. This is not that expensive and allows you to get a litte extra rent when taking on a new tenant. I have a couple of tenants who are tradesmen and I use them when I can (I even sold a property to a previous tenant who was a trademan and he had actually increased the value of the property with his modifications which I gave him permission to do).

M K

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14:15 PM, 19th May 2023, About A year ago

If it wasnt for the fortunate position of having very good tenants in my property, I would have definitely sold out months ago. But the moment they do leave, I will look to sell (probably 1-2 years away at least).
If for any reason, it takes longer than expected to sell then I will be extremely risk averse and set a high base rent to start with. Why? Because:
A. The risk of tenant refusing any subsequent rent increases and appealing - means having to lock in a higher rate before they move in when the landlord is in an advantageous position and not subject to any appeals process. It also means that possible future rent caps (based on a % of the original rate) will have less of an impact.
B. The risk of difficulty in removing the tenant under the new rules, means that I almost dont want my property to appear too attractive for any sitting tenant. Will it make my property less attractive to rent? Well of course it will. But thats the thing - once my current good tenants leave, I would only be letting the property reluctantly.

GlanACC

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16:26 PM, 19th May 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by M K at 19/05/2023 - 14:15
I have offered my remaining 6 tenants 10 months rent as an incentive to leave. No prospect of that as I have told them I wont be turfing them out (one guy has been with me since I bought the property 20 years ago and the rest have been between 5 and 10 years) , lets hope they go into arrears, not much chance of that either. As soon as they go I will be selling up

Beaver

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16:34 PM, 19th May 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Derek STOBBS at 19/05/2023 - 16:26
You don't take deposits...and you've offered your tenants 10 months rent as an incentive to leave? And you are hoping they go into arrears?

The new rules haven't taken affect yet.

GlanACC

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16:43 PM, 19th May 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Beaver at 19/05/2023 - 16:34
No, nothing to do with the new bill. I decided a few years ago that I wanted out (had a nasty car accident - recovered now, but it focuses the mind !) and made this offer (I had 18 properties at one time). When tenants left, I sold. I sold 2 properties to my tenants and one tenant took the money and rented elsewhere. So 6 left to go. If they don't move out then as I operate as LTD company my kids can have it.

Reluctant Landlord

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17:35 PM, 19th May 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by Derek STOBBS at 19/05/2023 - 16:43
you sound too good...those tenants are not going anywhere fast if they are sane!

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