Breaking News April 2024

Breaking News Minimum 6 month tenancies to be tabled as just one of a number of amendments to the Renters Reform Bill

RENTERS REFORM BILL AMENDMENTS

Following Propertymark’s meetings with Ministers and an update from officials that a political letter had been issued to Conservative MPs, detailing amendments the UK Government was planning to table to the Renters (Reform) Bill at Commons Report Stage. Propertymark have now had direct correspondence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities that these amendments have now been tabled.

The amendments make key changes across the Bill including:

• Establishing a six-month period for tenants - in effect, creating a default fixed-term of six months in all contracts, mirroring a standard break clause in many existing contracts. • Committing to a review of the implementation of tenancy measures within the Bill - the UK Government will introduce an amendment that requires the Secretary of State to lay a statement covering the effectiveness of new possession grounds, and the effect of moving to periodic tenancies and abolishing fixed terms. • Broadening the student possession grounds - a new mandatory possession ground to facilitate student

lets, allowing landlords to evict students living together in an HMO. This was already added to the Bill at an earlier stage. The UK Government will now ensure this applies to any property that is let to students, as long as landlords give prior notice to the tenants at the start of the tenancy that the ground will apply. • Undertake a review of council licensing schemes – to prevent duplication with the introduction of the new Property Portal, the UK Government will conduct a review of selective licensing and licensing of HMOs to reduce burdens on landlords. • A review of the county court possession proceedings - the Lord Chancellor will be required to publish an assessment on barriers to possession and the readiness of the courts in advance of abolishing Section 21 for existing tenancies. • Commit in legislation to publish an annual parliamentary update on the state of the private rented sector – including data on the supply, size and location of properties.

The amendments in full will be added to the Renters (Reform) Bill publications page.

Furthermore, the Leader of the House of Commons has confirmed the Remaining Stages of the Renters (Reform) Bill will be taken on Wednesday 24 April 2024. Throughout the passage of the Bill, Propertymark has worked hard to highlight the importance of retaining fixed term tenancies and the need for improvements to the court system if the abolition of Section 21 is to work. Whilst these amendments show that Ministers have listened to their concerns there are still areas that need further clarity. Propertymark are continuing to engage with officials at DLUHC, the Minister and Parliamentarians as the Bill moves to its next stage.