Renter's Rights Bill

The news articles linked to from this page follow the evolution of the Renter's Rights Bill (RRB), which is the Labour government's legislation. It picked up from where the Conservative's Renter's Right Bill left off, when Labour won the July 5th 2024 general election.

The aim of the legislation is to strengthen tenant protections, enhance transparency in the industry and balance rights and responsibilities between landlords and tenants.

Tenant and landlord groups each expressed concern around how far the legislation extends.

Regardless of your viewpoint, the RRB focuses on putting in place the following:

• Section 21 "no fault" evictions abolished meaning evictions will rely on the Section 8 court process, where grounds have been widened and strengthened.
• Periodic tenanciestake over from fixed term Assured Shorthold agreements, giving tenants more flexibility on moving dates.
• Rent increases limited to a maximum of one annual change.
• Rental bidding banned so landlords and letting agents can only accept the advertised rental amount.
• Rent advances capped to one month's rent (or 28 days for shorter tenancies).
• Tenant pet rights mean landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pets in their properties.
• An ombudsmanwill offer dispute resolution and landlords must join it (whether or not they use a letting agent).
• Mandatory registration to a landlord database with information about landlords and their properties.
• Decent homes standards and Awaab's Lawextended to the private rental sector.
• Ban on discrimination against families or tenants on benefits