The announcement was made in the King's Speech, stating the government would end 'Section 21', no fault evictions and reforming grounds for possession through the new Bill.
What the Government Said
A government spokesman stated, "The Government is determined to address the insecurity and injustice that far too many renters experience by fundamentally reforming the private rented sector and improving the quality of housing in it. We value the contribution made by responsible landlords who provide quality homes to their tenants and believe they must enjoy robust grounds for possession where there is good reason to take their property back."
"However, the Government is determined to level the playing field between landlord and tenant by providing renters with greater security, rights, and protections and cracking down on the minority of unscrupulous landlords who exploit, mistreat, or discriminate against tenants with bad practices such as unfair rent increases intended to force tenants out and pitting renters against each other in bidding wars."
Are these Changes for the Better?
Rooms For Let welcomes these amendments as we feel they are better for both landlord and tenant. Rooms of a decent standard are very important and while we don't visit and assess rooms available for rent, we have never received any complaints from tenants about the standard of room advertised. This of course isn't to say that some rooms wouldn't meet these standards. Therefore, we always advise viewing a room before agreeing to a tenancy and also discussing any issues with your landlord at the earliest possible opportunity.
You can view available rooms to rent using our search here. Most landlords will post photographs of their rooms. However, you can contact them for more photos if required. Maybe get them to do a live video walk around so you can see the current condition of a property, before arranging a viewing.
You can also register as a tenant to match your details against existing and new rooms as they become available.
If you are home owner or landlord considering renting a room in your own home or other rental properties, please register here to post your adverts. You can also view our Rooms Wanted section for potential lodgers looking for rooms to rent in your area.
Previous Renters Reform Bill
The Renters Reform Bill was initially introduced to Parliament by the previous government. However, the main parts of the Bill, including ending no-fault evictions, failed to pass the relevant stages, and it was much watered down from its original incarnation.
Will The New Bill Pass Through Parliament Successfully?
With the strength of the new Labour Government, the new Bill is likely to pass without opposition.
Whilst it may seem that additional legislation is making it more difficult for landlords, it should go some way to ensuring the less scrupulous landlords are weeded out. Decent landlords who care about their properties and tenants' quality of life should have no issues.
Where there is a genuine need to evict a tenant, landlords have protections in place. Therefore, both sides will be protected, and we always encourage landlords and tenants to work together for an amicable outcome.
The new Bill hopes to improve the quality of rental housing stock.
This would hopefully have a knock-on effect on rooms to rent, spare rooms, and other types of housing, such as HMOs.
Other Housing Related Changes in the Kings Speech
Other housing-related changes will also be implemented. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will "get Britain building" with relaxed planning laws, meaning more properties could be built in areas where they are not permitted to do so. While it may take some time off, the increase in housebuilding would relieve the pressure on the housing market in general and the rental market in particular.
What the Prime Minister Said
Prime Minister Sir Keir added: "The challenges we face require determined, patient work and serious solutions, rather than the temptation of the easy answer. The snake oil charm of populism may sound seductive, but it drives us to the dead end of further division and greater disappointment. This King's Speech sets out a clear destination for our country."