A new bill to outlaw no-fault evictions is about to shake up the private rented market. The Renters’ Rights Bill will mean that landlords are prevented from evicting tenants without good reason.
The Bill will include the end of Section 21, commonly referred to as no-fault evictions. Such evictions rose by 52% in London in the year to March 20241.
While landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a reason, there will be clear possession grounds for those needing to reclaim a property. Changes have already been made to improve rights in Scotland and Wales, so the proposed Bill will be applicable only to renters in England.
Rent increase challenges
To counter rising rents, tenants will also have the power to challenge rent increases. Renters will gain the right to request a pet too. In these cases, landlords will not be able to refuse unreasonably, though they may request insurance to cover potential damage.
‘Awaab’s Law’, which requires landlords to respond to health hazards within certain time frames to ensure that damp and mould are dealt with appropriately, is also set to be extended to the private rented sector.
1City Hall, 2024
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