The long-awaited Renters Reform Bill is finally introduced into Parliament
19 May 2023
After much delay and many false alarms, this Bill to overhaul the private rented sector in England was finally published this week.
The change which has grabbed all the headlines is the abolition of the ‘no-fault’ ground for possession, which enables a landlord to end an assured shorthold tenancy on two months’ notice for any reason.
However, other important changes include:
- All tenancies must be periodic, so it will no longer be possible to tie a tenant in to a minimum term.
- New landlord grounds to end a tenancy if they wish to sell their property or move in a new family member and a quicker and easier process to evict tenants for anti-social behaviour and repeated rent arrears.
- A landlord will not be able to refuse consent unreasonably to a tenant’s request to keep a pet.
- A landlord will only be able to increase rent once a year using the existing statutory process and a tenant will be able to challenge the increase in a tribunal.
- A new database of residential landlords and privately rented properties and a new compulsory Ombudsman scheme to investigate and determine tenant complaints.
Not many people would argue that vulnerable tenants need greater protection from unscrupulous landlords. However, there is a concern that some private landlords (already weary from the burdens of unfavourable tax changes, high interest rates and additional regulatory requirements) will decide that ‘enough is enough’ and look to sell up before the Bill becomes law. That in turn may lead to a shortage of decent homes to rent at affordable rents at exactly the time when they are most needed.
Key contact
David Harris
Professional Development Lawyer
david.harris@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)115 934 2019
Contact David
Discover more
Construction and real estate
You may be interested in...
18 April 2024
Legal Update
JCT 2024: What’s new? An overview of the changes
06 March 2024
Opinion
Caregivers at work: Navigating new carer's leave regulations
01 March 2024
Opinion
EHRC publishes new guidance on menopause and the workplace
27 February 2024
Opinion
Regulator warning on future dangers of asbestos
19 February 2024
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises First Milk on acquisition of dairy product manufacturer BV Dairy
25 January 2024
Opinion
Government consultation launched on contractual controls on land
19 January 2024
Legal Update
Restrictive covenants – look before you leap!
17 January 2024
Legal Update
2024: Horizon scanning in construction
17 January 2024
Legal Update - Building Safety Act
The Building Safety Act: What to expect in 2024
17 January 2024
Legal Update
The impact of insolvencies on construction in 2024
17 January 2024
Legal Update
Managing the expiry of PFI contracts
17 January 2024
Legal Update
ESG and the path to net zero: Construction industry considerations
17 January 2024
Legal Update
Modern methods of construction and modular buildings
17 January 2024
Legal Update
The rise of AI in construction
17 January 2024
Legal Update
A new JCT suite in 2024
19 December 2023
Legal Update
COP28 – key outcomes agreed and what they mean for you
18 December 2023
Legal Update
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Are we ready for it?
15 December 2023
Legal Update
The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023
06 December 2023
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advise North East Lincolnshire Council on Property Sale
30 November 2023
Legal Update
COP28 - how to limit and prepare for future climate change
29 November 2023
Opinion
The long-awaited Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill is finally introduced into Parliament
24 November 2023
Opinion
Is this the end of ground rent?
22 November 2023
Legal Update
Countdown to Biodiversity Net Gain
10 November 2023
Legal Update
New building control regime for higher-risk buildings
09 November 2023
Published Article
Al in construction: Do your contracts mitigate the risks?
27 October 2023
Legal Update
How to mitigate risk in disputes arising from AI use in construction projects
23 October 2023
Press Release
Browne Jacobson’s real estate lawyers win top legal award at Exeter Property Awards 2023
11 October 2023
Legal Update
Contractors' liability and contract works exclusion
11 October 2023
Legal Update
Property damage oil spills, reliance and duties of delivery drivers
11 October 2023
Legal Update
Recklessness not ‘accidental’ when it comes to trespass
11 October 2023
Legal Update
Underlying contracts remain key in arguments over scope of co-insurance
11 October 2023
Legal Update
Insurance considerations following use of RAAC concrete
09 October 2023
Press Release
Browne Jacobson boosts Real Estate Built Environment offering with specialist partner hire
05 October 2023
Legal Update - Building Safety Act
Building Safety Act 2022: New duty holder and competency regime from 1 October 2023
28 September 2023
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advise Platform Housing on landmark deal, creating over 300 affordable and sustainable homes
25 September 2023
Legal Update
Building Safety Act 2022: New building control regime from 1 October 2023
04 September 2023
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises Minster Property Group on major Suffolk affordable housing project
14 August 2023
Podcast
The real estate podcast: How AI and tech is changing real estate
27 July 2023
Legal Update
The importance of three magic words
26 July 2023