This week, on October 23rd, the long awaited Rent Reform Bill (the Bill) had its third hearing in the House of Commons. Michael Gove, the current Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities confirmed that the Government ‘will bring forward changes to ensure that the student market, which operates differently from other aspects of the private rented sector, is regulated in a different way’ and ‘bring forward details of a decent homes standard in the private rented sector’ and ‘ensure that the justice system…is fit for purpose before we move ahead with some of the reforms in the Bill.’
What reforms will be delayed?
If the court system is to be reformed and potentially a specialist housing court is to be formed, then the Government’s proposals to overhaul possession and abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions will be delayed for a considerable time to come. We covered these proposed reforms in length back in April’s Alexandre Boyes’ blog which you can read here.
Which reforms are still on track?
Private Rented Sector Ombudsman requiring all private landlords who rent out property in England to join a Government approved redress scheme, regardless of whether they use an agent.
Privately Rented Property Portal where all landlords will be legally required to register themselves and their properties on a Private Rented Sector Database.
Renting with pets ensuring that landlords cannot unreasonably withhold consent to pet requests, giving tenants a means to challenge unfair decisions, but also allowing landlords to require insurance covering pet damage.
What happens next to the Bill?
The Bill will now proceed to the Public Bill Committee on Tuesday 5th December 2023, receiving consideration and its third hearing that same day. The third hearing concludes the Bill’s passage through the House of Commons. It will then make its way through the House of Lords (first and second readings, the Committee & report stages then a final third reading) before moving to the final stages of ‘Consideration of Amendments’ and Royal Assent.
Quite a way to go yet but Alexandre Boyes will bring you updates as and when…
As with all Alexandre Boyes blogs, these are intended to be a general overview of topical issues and should not be relied upon for formal purposes. Posted 25th October 2023
