Renters Reform Bill: What changes has the UK Government proposed?

The UK Government has introduced the Renters Reform Bill to Parliament, which is a long-awaited piece of legislation expected to improve conditions for private renters in England.

As laid out in ‘Housing and Homelessness: The BASW Position Statement and Recommendations’, the provision of suitable, affordable housing plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families, it is thus of central importance to social work and social workers.

Social work looks at the needs of the whole person, and housing is part of meeting those needs. Suitable, affordable housing is crucial to effective support and ensuring everyone can be a participating member of society; for example, in terms of adult social care, care leavers, people with mental health problems or families in need.

The Renters Reform Bill makes provision to:

  • scrap section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions
  • make all private assured tenancies periodic, giving tenants the power to give two months notice of ending their tenancy
  • make it easier to evict tenants in cases of anti-social behaviour or repeat rent arrears
  • make it illegal for landlords and agents to refuse to rent properties to people who receive benefits or have children
  • ensure tenants are able to appeal above-market rents including those designed to force tenants out
  • create a national landlord register and a new Ombudsman that private landlords must join
  • introduce new grounds for eviction for landlords who want to sell their properties or move back in
  • give tenants the right to request a pet in their property, which the landlord must consider and not unreasonably refuse

More security and protections for private tenants is welcome, but the part on eviction for anti-social behaviour is concerning as it can mean any behaviour that is ‘capable’ of causing ‘nuisance or annoyance’, which is vague and subject to wide interpretation.

No date has yet been given for Second Reading of the Bill, which is a debate on the general contents of the Bill. The Bill could be changed from its current wording and contents if MPs choose to make amendments.

You can find the Bill and explanatory notes here.