Private Rented Sector

DLUHC White Paper setting out government policy for the private rented sector (PRS) as part of the wider levelling up agenda. This includes plans for a Renters Reform Bill which will include the following:

• Abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and introduction of a simpler tenancy structure
• Application of the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS for the first time
• Introduction of a new Property Portal to help landlords understand their obligations
• Introduction of a housing ombudsman covering all PRS landlords

The White Paper sets out a 12-point action plan which includes measures to strengthen local councils’ enforcement powers as well as proposals to make it illegal for landlords to have blanket bans on renting to families with children or those in receipt of benefits.

The White Paper signals a plan for major reform of tenancy law, moving all tenants onto a system of periodic tenancies, meaning that a tenancy will only end if a tenant ends it or a landlord has a valid reason (defined in law) for obtaining possession. Notice periods for rent increases will be increased and tenants will have stronger powers to challenge these.

It will also be easier for tenants to have pets, a right which the landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse.