Future of Rental Reforms: A Comprehensive Overview
The future of rental reforms holds promises of a fairer Private Rented Sector, aiming at quality, affordability, and fairness. Key initiatives include introducing a Property Portal, abolishing Section 21 no-fault evictions, and strengthening enforcement powers. The focus is on meeting the Decent Homes Standard, enhancing tenants' rights, and addressing issues like rent increases and court delays. Ongoing discussions also involve the reform of Section 8 tenancies and the importance of a Decent Homes Standard in ensuring decent living conditions. Progress is being made towards creating a more transparent and accountable rental market through initiatives like a Property Portal.
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Presentation Transcript
RENTAL REFORMS WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? HARRY FLANAGAN, SENIOR LEGAL ADVISER AND AVRIL ROBERTS, PROPERTY AND BUSINESS POLICY ADVISER
WHAT ARE THE GOVERNMENTS AIMS? A fairer Private Rented Sector Quality, affordability, and fairness To halve the number of poor-quality homes by 2030 Ultimately Levelling-Up
WHAT IS INCLUDED? 8. Introduce a Property Portal The 12-point plan of action: 9. Strengthen Council s enforcement powers 1. Require PRS homes to meet the Decent Homes Standard 10. Make blanket bans illegal 2. Pilot schemes for how Decent Homes Standard could be enforced 11. Allow tenants to request pets and amend the Tenant Fees Act 2019 3. Abolish Section 21 no fault evictions and deliver a simpler, more secure tenancy structure 12. Monitor the possibility of passport deposits. 4. Reform the grounds for possession (Section 8) 5. Only allow rent increases once a year 6. Introduce an Ombudsman for the PRS 7. Target areas where there are court delays
SECTION 21 AND THE REFORM OF SECTION 8 Tenancy Reform - No more fixed terms 62% of all Section 21 notices were served in London In 2019-20 only 8% of PRS renters were asked to move out by their landlord The rural context special features CLA successes Tenancies back at the end of an employment contract Making properties available for agricultural works
SECTION 21 WHAT STILL NEEDS TO BE DONE? Reform rather than abolish Section 21 Definition of agricultural worker needs to be broadened Anti-social behaviour Rental Arrears Court reform
THE DECENT HOMES STANDARD A decent home in the PRS must meet the following 4 criteria: a) It meets the current statutory minimum standard for housing b) It is in a reasonable state of repair c) It has reasonable facilities and services; and d) It provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort Consultation published, and CLA response on our website.
A PROPERTY PORTAL Interaction with the Decent Homes Standard It is effectively a form of landlord registration Could be preferable to current postcode lottery that is licensing? Enforcement of criminal landlords No consultation expected and work seems to be advancing
A PRS OMBUDSMAN Limited detail at this stage Interaction with the courts and court reform Could the ombudsman impose fines? Will it work for landlords as well as tenants?
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS No blanket bans Including on tenants having pets Amendment of the Tenant Fees Act 2019 Ending the use of rent review clauses
PLEASE COMPLETE OUR ENGLISH HOUSING SURVEY