On 11th September 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner introduced the Renters Rights Bill to Parliament. The Bill promises several material changes that will affect landlords and tenants. The main headline-grabbing provision is that a ban on Section 21 no-fault evictions will be introduced under this legislation. The previous Conservative administration had proposed such a ban, but the legislation was not introduced due to the relatively snap nature of the 4th July 2024 general election. Under the present proposals, no-fault evictions will be banned, and landlords will only be able to retake possession of properties in limited circumstances. These [...]
The Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper published in June provided context for landlords regarding the Renters’ Reform Bill. Importantly this also included the ban on Section 21 notices. The government confirmed in the paper that they will be replacing section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction notices with a modern tenancy system. Consequently, the government proposed to simplify tenancy structures by transitioning all tenancies over time into periodic tenancies. As a result, the tenancy will only end if the tenant chooses to give notice, or if the landlord has a valid and lawful reason. What is section 21? Prior to [...]
Yesterday’s Queen's Speech symbolised the opening of parliament, a historical event, that the Queen missed this year due to her ill health. However, her son Prince Charles delivered the speech on her behalf and reconfirmed the Government’s pledge to reform the property investment market. This includes the long-awaited change to section 21, (a legal method of evicting tenants from the rented property). The Renters’ Reform Bill would abolish Section 21, with the government instead of creating a new Ombudsman and property portal for landlords. The aim of this is to reduce the need for emergency housing, homelessness, and no-fault [...]