An overhaul of housing laws aimed at improving the quality of housing and empowering renters to challenge poor landlords without fear of losing their homes has been announced by the Government.
The Renters (Reform) Bill sees the abolition of section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, providing an additional level of protection for tenants, particularly when challenging poor standards.
The Bill also makes it easier for more than two million landlords to recover properties when they need to, including reducing notice periods where tenants have been irresponsible, and introduces a new ombudsman to provide quicker and cheaper resolutions to disputes.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, the LGA’s Housing Spokesperson, said: “We are pleased to see that the Renters (Reform) Bill will take steps to ensure private renters have a home that is safe and stable, increasing the rights of tenants and enabling people to better hold their landlord to account.
“The removal of ‘no fault’ evictions is a significant step towards tackling our national homelessness crisis, and we are also glad to see the introduction of an ombudsman for the private rented sector, as an additional mechanism for tenants to seek appropriate redress from their landlord.
“Improved access to data on the private rented sector and mandated landlord registration will also increase councils’ oversight of and ability to enforce against the small minority of landlords guilty of criminal behaviour. The LGA will continue to work with the Government to ensure that councils have the right powers, skills, capacity and resources to undertake effective enforcement activity to improve standards in the private rented sector.”