Renters Reform Bill 2023: What Does This Mean for Landlords?

The laws surrounding Assured Shorthold Tenancies will be changing in line with the government’s proposed Renters Reform Bill which aims to improve the rental system for both renters and landlords.
Touted as one of the most comprehensive set of changes for the private renter sector in a generation, it is currently subject to a second reading in the House of Commons. Here, we highlight the key changes proposal in this bill that landlords should take note on:

Key Points of the Renters Reform Bill for Landlords

Private Rental Sector Ombudsman

The Renters Reform Bill sets out to establish an Ombudsman that all private landlords will have to register with. The aim is to help solve disputes between private renters and landlords, with the power to require corrective action and compensation. This applies to all landlords, whether they use a letting agent or not and will require a fee.

Greater Power for Landlords

The Renters Reform Bill will ban Section 21 “no fault” evictions but will make it easier for landlords to evict tenants for anti-social behaviour and rent arrears at shorter notice. It will broaden the current definition of anti-social behaviour and expedite the eviction process for landlords, enabling landlords to protect their property.

Landlords will also have greater power to move into their rental property or sell it under an overhauled Section 8.

Fixed Term Contracts

Fixed term contracts are set to be replaced with periodic tenancy agreements which do not have an end date, thereby increasing flexibility that renting offers.

Additionally, a new property portal has been proposed to help landlords understand their legal obligations, give tenants performance information to hold their landlord to account, and help councils crack down on poor practice.

Get the latest updates on the Renters Reform Bill

The government will shortly publish a White Paper which will give more information about these proposals, and we will keep you updated on the progress of this Renter Reform Bill as it’s discussed in parliament.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for more information regarding the Governments Renters Reform Bill, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and our expert team of letting agents will be more than happy to help.