Renters' Rights Bill Passes Second Reading
The Renters’ Rights Bill has passed its second reading in the House of Commons.
The Renters’ Rights Bill passed its 'second reading' on Wednesday (9th October) less than a month after it was first introduced.
The Renters’ Rights Bill includes the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions, extends Awaab’s Law, which requires landlords to address mould and damp issues within 14 days, allows for pets in lets and gives tenants more power to end bidding wars.
Deputy prime minister Angela 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.”
Other key parts of the bill are:
- Tenants will be in a stronger position to challenge unreasonable rent increases and landlords will only be allowed to raise the rent once a year and only to the market rate.
- Tenants will get a quicker resolution over disputes, cutting down on the need to go though the courts through a new Ombudsman service.
- Local councils will be given stronger powers to crack down on unscrupulous landlords, with maximum fines being increased up to £40,000 for serious offenders.
- A new database for landlords to share important information on their property standards, showing their compliance with the law and helping councils drive out the minority of criminal landlords.
- Tenants will be able request to have a pet and landlords will not be able to unreasonably refuse.
If you have any questions regarding the Renters’ Rights Bill, what this means to you as a landlord or want any further information, please contact one of our specialist lettings team via our contact form or call 0161 511 5339.
