Renters (Reform) Bill now published
The Renters (Reform) Bill has now been published. There are no major surprises following the publication of the White Paper last year. The Bill proposes to fundamentally overhaul the private rented sector by abolishing fixed term tenancies and removing landlords’ abilities to obtain possession via the no fault section 21 route. Other significant changes include banning rent review clauses and implying a clause into all assured tenancies permitting a tenant to keep a pet with landlord’s consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. The grounds for possession have been widened and strengthened to permit landlords to obtain possession in certain defined circumstances, and the Bill will need to go through parliament before being passed into statute, but the proposals are likely to make current or proposed landlords think twice before agreeing to let their properties. Whilst welcome news for tenants, if landlords do leave the market this could limit the number of rental properties available and push rents up. Further regulations are also due to be published, so it remains a case of “watch this space”.
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