Renters Reform Bill Progress: A Guide for Wimbledon Landlords

The Renters Reform Bill (RRB) has been on the horizon since 2019, when the government first announced the manifesto for the bill after the publication of ‘A Fairer Private Rented Sector‘. If the new rules come into force, they’ll have many implications for existing and future landlords in Wimbledon and beyond, so it’s essential to keep up to date with the changes.

The Renters Reform Bill has faced many delays, most recently with the 2024 General Election and the closing of Parliament. If Labour forms the next government, the party plans to abolish section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions right away, and are likely to introduce stricter rules to protect renters.

So, you might well be wondering ‘where is the bill up to and what’s next?’ – keep reading for the latest information to prepare yourself for any future changes, and keep your rental properties legally compliant.

What is the Renters Reform Bill?

The Renters Reform Bill is legislation the UK government plans to introduce to “bring in a better deal for renters.” It includes the proposed abolishment of section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and a number of additional rules that aim to improve conditions for people who rent private property in the UK under the Decent Homes Standard.

The bill is significant, with many different proposals. Here are some of the key highlights to consider:

• Abolishing Section 21 evictions: The bill aims to eliminate ‘no fault’ evictions, where landlords can evict tenants without providing a reason. Landlords will need to use specified grounds for possession instead. These reformed ‘grounds for possession’ will be expanded and clarified, including reasons such as selling the property, moving in a family member, anti-social behaviour, and serious rent arrears.
  
  This is the most significant change the bill suggests, though the conservative government has currently decided to put this part on hold until they improve and reform the court system.
  
• Periodic Tenancies: All new and existing tenancies will transition to periodic tenancies, removing fixed-term contracts and providing a more flexible option for tenants. This means tenants can give notice to vacate their rental property after the first six months of the tenancy, though there are special provisions for student landlords and their rentals.
  
• Rent Increases: The bill intends to limit rent increases to once per year, following a standardised procedure. Tenants will be able to challenge above-market rent increases.
  
• New ombudsman & property portal: The bill proposes a new ombudsman to handle disputes between tenants and landlords, and a property portal to ensure landlords meet their legal obligations and give tenants better information about their rental property.
  
• Pets in rented properties: Tenants will have the right to request permission to keep pets, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. Landlords can require tenants to have pet insurance, and it’s likely they be able to refuse pets on health and safety grounds.

Has the Renters Reform Bill been passed yet?

No. There is much confusion over this due to the fact that until the general election, the bill was steadily moving through Parliament. It had made it through the House of Commons, and even concluded its second reading in the House of Lords – and then reached the final committee stage.

However, as the RRB did not make it onto the statute book before the dissolution of Parliament prior to the General Election, the results of the election will determine what happens next.

When might the Renters Reform Bill come into force?

The Renters Reform Bill was expected to come into force on 1st October 2024 for new tenancies and 1st October 2025 for pre-existing tenancies. However, the government abandoned this target because the bill could not pass before the 2024 general election.

At this moment in time, it is likely to be at least a year later, and even then, this depends upon the new government and its priorities.

What’s next for the Renter’s Reform Bill?

The Renters Reform Bill had progressed to the final stages of passage into an Act of Parliament, but now its progress has met an even bigger hurdle—the 2024 General Election.
As a Conservative government introduced the manifesto, a change in government will impact the outcomes of bills that have been passing through the House of Commons. For example, a change to the Secretary of State could significantly impact the direction that the bill takes.

Labour has voiced broad support for the bill, and nearly all parties are committed to removing section 21 evictions (for example). However, the exact timelines are still unknown, it all depends upon the level of priority assigned to the bill by the new government. Labour intends to press on with the abolishment of section 21 – with or without court reform – but ultimately we will have to wait and see.

While it seems unlikely to happen, if the Conservative government remains in power, they are likely to fast-track the bill and proceed as originally planned to avoid further delays.

And Finally

We can help you to prepare for any upcoming changes in legislation and ensure you are fully prepared to ensure compliance. Contact us today to discuss how the Renters Reform Bill could affect you as a landlord or enquire about our expert property management services in Wimbledon, Raynes park, New Malden, Coombe, Merton Park and beyond.

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