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13:05 PM, 13th June 2024, About 2 weeks ago 30
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Labour pledges to immediately ban Section 21 to “stop renters from being exploited.”
The party’s manifesto simply dubbed “change” promises to “overhaul the regulation of the private rented sector” by introducing measures such as all homes in the PRS need to meet energy efficiency standards by 2030.
Other policies include introducing Awaab’s law to the PRS and building 1.5 million new homes.
The party’s manifesto states the Labour Party will abolish Section 21 immediately and strengthen tenants’ rights in challenging rent increases.
The Labour Party also promises to introduce Awaab’s law to the PRS to help raise standards.
The manifesto said: “Security also means having a secure roof over your head. That is not the case for too many renting their homes privately.
“Labour will legislate where the Conservatives have failed, overhauling the regulation of the private rented sector.
“We will immediately abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, prevent private renters from being exploited and discriminated against, empower them to challenge unreasonable rent increases and take steps to decisively raise standards, including extending ‘Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector.”
Other manifesto pledges include a Warm Homes Plan which will offer grants and low-interest loans to support investment in insulation.
The Labour Party say homes in the private rented sector will need to meet energy efficiency standards by 2030. However, they do not give any details about what green targets landlords will need to meet.
The party assures that no one will be forced to replace their boiler as part of this plan and that energy efficiency targets will help save renters hundreds of pounds a year.
Another manifesto pledge includes introducing mandatory housing targets.
In the section dubbed “Get Britain Building Again” Labour pledge to build 1.5 million new homes over the next Parliament by building on brownfield sites.
The Labour Party say they will deliver the biggest increase in social and housebuilding in a generation.
The party claims it will prioritise the building of new social rented homes and help first-time buyers get on the property ladder by introducing a permanent, comprehensive mortgage guarantee scheme.
The manifesto says: “We will strengthen planning obligations to ensure new developments provide more affordable homes; make changes to the Affordable Homes Programme to ensure that it delivers more homes from existing funding; and support councils and housing associations to build their capacity and make a greater contribution to affordable housing supply.
“Labour will prioritise the building of new social rented homes and better protect our existing stock by reviewing the increased right-to-buy discounts introduced in 2012 and increasing protections on newly-built social housing.”
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert said: ‘We welcome policies and innovations which are trying to help more first-time buyers onto the ladder.
“Housebuilding needs to be accelerated, and creating a permanent mortgage guarantee scheme would at least give first-time buyers the certainty that the option will be there.
“However, we know from our own research that policies like the mortgage guarantee scheme have limitations, and are only able to help a very small pool of future first time buyers that fit specific requirements.
“One of the biggest barriers for first-time buyers is being able to borrow enough from a lender, which a mortgage guarantee scheme doesn’t address.”
Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer at Together, said: “A crackdown on ‘nimbyism’, commitment to build 1.5m new homes and plans to re-use brownfield land is all well and good. But it will be interesting to see whether the Government of whichever colour will be able to deliver on the support SME house builders need to make these ambitions a reality. This will be key for planning reform and encouraging access to finance for development.
Nathan Emerson, chief executive at Propertymark said: “Pledges to reform the planning system, commit to a brownfield-first approach, making the private rental sector more energy efficient, and a commitment to build 1.5 million new homes over the next parliamentary term are more than welcome.
“The planning process can be a huge obstacle in keeping pace with demand and change is desperately needed in order to serve an ever-growing population. Many buyers have had a tough time since the 2008 recession, and it is vital any future strategy includes a sustainable mix of affordable housing options for both buyers and renters.
“Propertymark would like to see more details from Labour about how they plan to meet their housing goals and ensure this is there is a firm and fair set of policies in place to serve all demographics.
“Any aspiration to reintroduce the Renters (Reform) Bill must come with full disclosure and a realistic timeline regarding the required court reform before the removal of Section 21 evictions should ever become a reality.”
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LaLo
14:15 PM, 13th June 2024, About 2 weeks ago
So, LLs are expected to pump in £1000s to improve a property’s energy efficiency on a property where there’s only a slim chance of ever being able sell it or move into it due to Labour’s PRS proposal’s!
Niknak Harris
14:50 PM, 13th June 2024, About 2 weeks ago
After advice really. I am worried that Rayner will introduce emergency legislation to put a temporary ban on evictions on 5th July and until they can push through abolishing section 21, can she do this? We are small property owners, 4 flats. They were originally owned by the council and were in such a state they were condemned, My husband spent a lot of money and time making them liveable again, we are nearing retirement and ultimately we would not be in a position financially to continue with the upkeep of these properties (particularly) the looming EPC rules, they are older properties and band D so due to reduced income it would not be possible, so were looking to sell in the future. I am worried sick that we will be prevented from removing people or to move back in or sell, under a labour government.
Ian Fellingham
15:00 PM, 13th June 2024, About 2 weeks ago
Can labour really ban s21 on day one without any parliamentary process? If this is the case I’m seriously going to have to consider giving all my tenants notice before the election. I’m struggling with the prospect of not being able to sell my properties without having to rely on a court decision.
Crouchender
15:09 PM, 13th June 2024, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Niknak Harris at 13/06/2024 - 14:50
I am afraid they can as have emergency power from old covid legislation which is still active and available to use so they will use this as they will claim there is a HOUSING EMERGENCY CRISIS. Really sorry but there are bad times for LLs ahead for at least 5 years.
Crouchender
15:10 PM, 13th June 2024, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Crouchender at 13/06/2024 - 15:09
The fact they put IMMEDIATELY in their manifesto for S21 means they will do it with a few days of office
Bryan
15:16 PM, 13th June 2024, About 2 weeks ago
Same set of promises based on hatred of the landlord sector. Nobody sees this as a private business between landlord and tenant. What does it have to do with them? Many of the older properties like some of mine were brought back into use by hard work and investment. But many cannot be improved to EPC C standard. You cannot just add a bit of insulation to a block of flats. Labour councils did that in Tower Hamlets and we know what happened there. Policies born out of misguided hatred and disdain for those that can afford to do this. But with any action there is a consequence. If properties cannot be brought up to C standard landlords will sell. Rental sector looses stock and prices go up for the scramble to what is left. Their actions will do completely the opposite of what they want or think can happen.
Reluctant Landlord
15:18 PM, 13th June 2024, About 2 weeks ago
All I read in their 'plan' is..
Security also means having a secure roof over your head. That is not the case for too many renting their homes privately. Labour will legislate where the Conservatives have failed, overhauling the regulation of the private rented sector. We will immediately abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, prevent private renters being exploited and discriminated against, empower them to challenge unreasonable rent increases, and take steps to decisively raise standards, including extending ‘Awaab’s Law’ to the private sector.
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Immediately abolish? Unless they declare a 'national housing emergency' how can they do this exactly? Really going to be their first priority bearing in mind its not even listed in their 5 Missions nor 6 step plan....
Nothing about rent caps - only allow tenants to challenge 'unreasonable' ones (so no change to what the law says they can do anyway as it is!).
STEPS to raise standards - nothing immediate there then.
Reluctant Landlord
15:26 PM, 13th June 2024, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Niknak Harris at 13/06/2024 - 14:50
not that it helps, but we are all in the same boat. Even if S21 is banned on 5th July you could still issue S8 G1?
A bit of a waiting game I think though in reality - again they may say immediately but Parliament is on summer recess so not sure what difference that makes?
Reluctant Landlord
15:40 PM, 13th June 2024, About 2 weeks ago
done a bit of reading. The only 'comfort' I can take from this is that in Scotland when they had an eviction ban, it wasn't a TOTAL ban on every eviction....if Labour followed this to the latter in England then for rent arrears/LL selling then it can still be done.
Don't forget it would still take the tenant to challenge this. Not sure Legal Aid would apply for defence in cases of rent arrears or LL selling ???
Grounds to which the eviction enforcement ban did not apply
The eviction enforcement ban did not apply to certain grounds.
In any case, reasonableness must always have been considered. For example, the court or tribunal must have taken into account whether any arrears were caused by delays to the payment of certain benefits. We have guidance on considering reasonableness in rent arrears cases.
Private residential tenancies
The following grounds were not affected by the ban on eviction enforcement:
Ground 1A: Landlord intends to sell due to significant financial strain (a new temporary ground)
Ground 2: Property to be sold by lender
Ground 4A: Landlord intends to live in the property to avoid their own homelessness (a new temporary ground)
Ground 8: Not an employee
Ground 10: Tenant not occupying let property
Ground 12A: Rent arrears amount to 6 months or more worth of rent (a new temporary ground)
Ground 13: Criminal activity
Ground 14: Anti-social activity
Ground 15: Association with person who has relevant conviction or engaged in relevant anti-social behaviour [3]
John Grefe
15:41 PM, 13th June 2024, About 2 weeks ago
Same old clap trap! Although Mr Osbourne didn't do us any favours?? Another set of clowns might be voted in UNLESS you don't vote for them? No political party does the renting marking any good. Tories have themselves to blame, again messing things up. Unless I'm mistaken.