The government introduced the Renters' Reform Bill to parliament on 17 May 2023. The bill has been presented to parliament, MPs will have the opportunity to consider and debate this Bill at a Second Reading. Michael Gove has advised that the new laws introduced will suppport the vast majority of responsible landlords who provide quality homes to their tenants, while delivering the governments manifesto commitment to abolish Section 21 'no-fault' evictions. 

The proposed reforms commit to 'bring  better deals for renters' and marks 'the biggest shake-up of the private rented sector in 30 years', the idea is to level up housing quality. The bill is being produced as the government says that under current legislation, some renters face a lack of security, especially in terms of Section 21 'no fault' evictions. Meanwhile, responsible landlords are facing issues by being undercut by a minority of criminal landlords. 

The government first published the full extent of its plans in a white paper in June 2022 and they have committed to work in partnership with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) & HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).

An Overview 

• Section 21 'no fault' evictions to be abolished, landlords will only be able to evict a tenant in reasonable circumstances 

• Section 8 grounds will change to include a new mandatory ground for repeated serious arrears

• Single System of periodic tenancies, tenants would need to provide 2 months notice to avoid lengthly void periods

• Rent increases will be limited to once a year with two months notice

• Tenants  given more rights to keep pets in properties

• New landlord redress scheme covering all private landlords

• New digital property portal for landlord legal compliance