Now that we’ve welcomed in a new government, there are sure to be plenty of changes afoot over the next few months and years – and one of the first to come to the fore is the new renters rights bill, new legislation that’s currently in its draft phase that will replace the Conservatives’ renters (reform) bill that didn’t make it through Parliament before the General Election.

The aim of the new bill is to deliver a stepchange in the private rental sector to ensure fairer treatment for tenants while protecting landlord rights, building on Labour’s pledge to ban no-fault evictions immediately if they came to power.

Once passed, the bill will ensure that the threat of arbitrary no-fault evictions will be removed, thereby increasing tenant security and expanding the grounds for possession for landlords to be able to reclaim properties when necessary.

Tenant rights and protections will be strengthened, allowing them to mount challenges against unreasonable rent increases that are designed to force them out of their homes. Furthermore, the bill will propose an end to rental bidding wars that push prices up.

Under the proposed legislation, landlords will also not be able to unreasonably refuse to let a tenant have a pet in their property, although they will be able to request insurance is purchased in order to cover any potential damage that may be caused as a result.

A decent homes standard is also set to be introduced if the bill is made into law, ensuring that all private rental properties will have to be safe, secure and free from hazards. Any reported health hazards will also need to be investigated and repaired within specific timeframes to help improve living standards in rental homes.

And anti-discrimination measures will be introduced so that it is illegal for landlords to discriminate against those with children or who are in receipt of benefits.

Finally, a digital database will be set up that brings together all necessary information for landlords, tenants and local authorities, and a new property ombudsman will be set up to resolve disputes and provide landlords and tenants alike with an impartial and binding resolution. This will be mandatory for landlords to join.

How can landlords prepare for the renters rights bill?

Currently, there is no date in place for the bill to become law and, as with any piece of legislation, it has to undergo five stages of scrutiny in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

However, landlords would perhaps be well placed to start preparing now so that they’re not caught unawares when the bill is passed.

Keeping up to date with the bill as it makes its way through Parliament will help you stay abreast of any particularly pertinent changes. And now is also the perfect time to review tenancy agreements so you know they’re fully compliant with the potential changes that are just around the corner.

If you’d like any further help or advice relating to this bill and how the landlord landscape may look in the future, get in touch with the team at Granger & Oaks today.