It’s been confirmed that the controversial Renters Reform Bill will still be introduced by the end of this session of Parliament, despite the change of Prime Minister.
This session of Parliament ends in May 2023; the next General Election will, at the latest, be December 2024.
In a letter to a Labour politician, the chief officer in the private rented sector division of the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities - Hugh Greenwood - says the reforms will be “put into legislation as soon as possible.”
In the letter to Sem Moema, Labour’s housing spokesperson on the London Assembly, Greenwood writes: “We recognise the role good landlords play in providing homes for people across the country but we know there are problems and not everyone has a good experience. We are absolutely committed to tackling the worst issues in the private rented sector - driving up standards, giving tenants greater security and supporting local authorities to crack down on poor practice.
“As you are aware our White Paper ‘A Fairer Private Rented Sector’ was published on June 16 2022. It sets out our plan to level up housing quality, building on the Levelling Up White Paper.
“Our 12 point plan sets out clear actions to reform the sector for landlords and tenants. It sets a strategic direction and demonstrates our determination to give private renters a better deal.
“…We remain committed to introducing a Renters Reform Bill in this session of Parliament.”
Moema claims this isn’t good enough and wants an end to what she claims to be delays in implementation of the scrapping of Section 21.
She says: “Over the last three years, Ministers have come and gone, but section 21 evictions still haven’t been outlawed as promised. The cost of the government’s inertia is that almost 8,000 London households have seen their lives uprooted and faced being forced onto the streets due to this unfair process.
“Like many housing campaigners, I was pleased and relieved to see the Renters Reform Bill white paper finally published in May. The Government have now told me that the Bill should be passed into law by May, but we have seen it kicked into the long grass before.
“As we struggle through this cost of living crisis, there is a real possibility that the number of section 21 evictions, leading to the threat of homelessness, will reach pre-pandemic levels.
“The ban on these evictions cannot be allowed to fall by the wayside again. Renters need stronger protections now more than ever”.
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Another politician chasing votes knowing fine well this will backfire on the tenants as landlords leave and rents rise further, sadly many aren’t bright enough to see it
A Labour party politician making the law, when not in power? Why's is a civil servant corresponding with a politician, surely it should come from the minister?
There is a lack of rationality attached to the whole discourse. It stands to reason that the more that landlords are disempowered and can't even enter into a fixed-term contract with a tenant, then the more Section 21 notices that will be served. Can't they see what has happened to the market already! I've just had 170 viewing requests for a one bedroom flat in London - that is not a normal situation.
It is like the Emperor's New Clothes - people in the government seem frightened to point out the obvious truth because it runs counter to what has previously been said.
That’s why I have made agent’s appointments for another 3. This government won’t be happy until they have made thousands homeless. See how you get on protecting tenants when there are no Landlords.
Exactly. We had planned to sell one after April 2023, but the tenants will now have to be told that those plans have to be brought forward. A shame because they have an indoor cat and it will not be easy finding somewhere else that allows pets. No, it doesn’t smell, make a mess or scratch the walls.
Hello Fedup Landlord
Perhaps you could point your tenants in our direction, we may be able to advise them on things they can do to find a pet friendly rental. A reference from you confirming the cat's good behaviour will also help them enormously.
I would if I knew who you are.
Now I know I will, but we will be offering them first option to buy before it goes on the market.
I'm so sorry, I thought our profile was set up! - The organisation is called AdvoCATS, we're a non-profit group who work with landlords and tenants where pets are involved. I can't post a link here, but if they Google us and/or me, they'll find us. Thanks!
The behaviour of the government is entirely rational, (for a Labour one), lots of votes in free properties.
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