On 17 May 2023, the UK government published the Renters (Reform) Bill, which aims to enhance the rights of tenants and landlords in the private rented sector. The much-anticipated legislation promises to abolish so-called section 21 no-fault evictions, give tenants stronger rights to have pets in rented accommodation, improve housing standards, and make it easier for landlords to recover properties when tenants wilfully do not pay rent or to move in a close family member.
The change to the rules for evictions, which the Conservatives promised in their 2019 manifesto, was broadly welcomed as a step forward in protecting tenants from abusive landlords and reducing the risk of homelessness. However, some stakeholders voiced concerns that unscrupulous operators would still find loopholes and force out tenants by jacking up rents, while others said the measures could drive some landlords out of the market and tighten supply of rental accommodation.
This Dods Political Intelligence report provides a one-stop guide to the Renters (Reform) Bill, including an overview of its key proposals and next steps, and a compilation of immediate reactions from politicians, industry figures, housing campaigners and other stakeholders with links to original sources.