Renters (Reform) Bill on hold indefinitely

In the King’s Speech, King Charles has reiterated the government’s proposals to afford residential tenants greater security of tenure by passing the hotly anticipated Renters (Reform) Bill. 

However, the background briefing notes state that the government “will not commence the abolition of section 21 until stronger possession grounds and a new court process is in place”. This follows a recent letter from Michael Gove to Conservative MPs which confirmed that implementation of the reforms in the Bill would not proceed until HM Courts and Tribunals Service is fully prepared for the changes. Proposed changes to the court system include digitising more court processes, improving bailiff recruitment and retention and providing early legal advice to tenants. 

There is no clarity on how these proposals will be implemented, especially when many of the county courts which deal with possession claims are currently understaffed, underfunded and working to a severe backlog. For now, it appears that the Renters (Reform) Bill has been kicked into the long grass.

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