The Renters (Reform) Bill - Will this Affect You?

The main proposals of the Bill include:-

• The abolition of 'no fault' evictions and a change to Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) to become periodic tenancies. The tenant could not be forced to leave unless there was a breach of the agreement, such as unpaid rent. Tenants on the other hand, would still need to give two months' notice to quit their tenancy.
• To give landlords a more comprehensive list of grounds for removing tenants from their property. This will likely result in a longer period of time for enforcement, and there will be more procedures for landlords to follow in order to regain possession of their property.
• Tenants will be allowed to keep pets at the property, which the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.
• Landlords will not be allowed to increase rent without a general increase in market rates. There will be a standard form required for the landlord to complete in order to request a rent increase.
• A new database of private rented accommodation, which Landlords will have to register their property on before it is marketed for rental.
• The Bill in its current form will create a 'Private Rented Sector Ombudsman', who will be able to determine disputes between landlords and tenants.
• Local Authorities will be given the power to impose financial penalties on landlords that fail to provide information to tenants or who breach the Act.

There is no confirmed date of when this Act will be passed through Parliament, but it is on the way.

Landlords may want to consider the impact of the legislation and whether or not they wish to keep or sell these properties before this legislation comes into force.

For further information regarding the Renters (Reform) Bill, please contact Christina Le Riche in our Residential Conveyancing team on 020 7665 0929 or complete the form below.