Government confirms that the Renters’ Reform Bill IS back on the agenda

A senior minister has confirmed the Government’s intention to introduce a Renters’ Reform Bill in this Parliament – and it could be law by the time this Parliament ends.

Andrew Stephenson, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, was responding to a question from Labour MP, Matthew Pennycook, the Shadow Minister for the department.

They were appearing at Westminster Hall to debate the ‘Potential merits of ending Section 21 evictions’.

Mr Stephenson said: “It is very much the priority of the Government to introduce the Bill and provide parliamentary time for it to proceed.

“Obviously, the Government’s policies can change, but the new Prime Minister underlined his commitment and the new Government’s commitment to the Conservative party’s 2019 manifesto, which included commitments in this area.

“I am sure that, whether it is myself or another Minister in post, this will remain a priority for the Government, and we will want to bring forward the legislation in good time so that it can go through all the stages before the next general election.”

‘Landlords need certainty too’

Mr Stephenson continued: “We know that landlords need certainty, too. If a tenant needs to leave a tenancy, we will increase the amount of notice they must give.

“This will ensure that landlords recoup the costs of finding a new tenant and avoid lengthy void periods.

“The new system will be simpler for tenants and landlords to understand, enabling them to exercise their rights and fulfil their obligations.

“We are striking the right balance between improving security for tenants and ensuring that landlords continue to feel confident to invest in the market.”

‘Good landlords play a vital role’

He added: “Good landlords play a vital role in providing homes for millions of people across the country, and we want to reassure them that the new system will continue to be a stable market for landlords to invest and remain in.

“No one will win if our reforms do not support landlords as well as tenants.”

He told MPs that it is right for landlords to get their properties back when their circumstances change, or tenants break the rules.

He said that the grounds of possession will be reformed so they are ‘comprehensive, fair and efficient’.

‘We will streamline the possession process’

Mr Stephenson said: “We will streamline the possession process, removing unnecessary restrictions on landlords seeking to recover their properties, introduce a new ground for landlords wishing to sell their property and allow landlords and their close family members to move into a rental property.

“This, alongside the existing grounds for moving in, will give landlords confidence that they can get their property back if their circumstances change.”

He said that going to court should be the last resort for possession when all other avenues have been exhausted, but ‘it is unavoidable’.

Mr Stephenson said that the Ministry of Justice and His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service will streamline the process and ensure that the most serious cases are prioritised.

There is also a review of the bailiff process under way – and this is ‘currently the biggest source of frustration and delays for landlords’.

He added: “I hope that all Members recognise that the Government are committed to reforming the private rented sector in a fair and balanced way, abolishing no-fault section 21 evictions and providing more clarity for landlords when seeking repossession.

“We are committed to giving tenants more security, meaning that they can stay in their communities and put down roots.

“Delivering a fair deal for renters through these reforms remains a priority for this Government, and I look forward to working with hon. Members to deliver on that agenda.”

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