Labour is introducing a Renters’ Rights Bill to give greater rights and protections to private tenants, including ending no fault evictions and reforming grounds for possession.
The landmark legislation is the latest example of this Labour government cleaning up the mess left by the last Conservative government, who let down renters time and time again.
The Tories’ promise to ban no fault evictions was first made in April 2019 by then Prime Minister Theresa May. For more than five years, the Tories repeatedly refused to stand up for private renters. They presided over endless delays to no-fault evictions and failed to tackle damp, cold and mouldy homes.
A string of Tory leaders made the choice to not stand up to landlords in their party, resulting in legislation failing in the last parliament. Labour is calling time on a decade of Tory vested interests and putting renters first by introducing this new legislation.
The package to protect renters is part of Labour’s commitment to put an end to the Tories’ housing emergency with a plan for secure homes and delivers Labour’s manifesto commitment to overhaul regulation of the private rented sector.
Labour will transform rights for the 11 million private tenants in England by:
Abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault evictions’, removing the threat of arbitrary evictions and increasing tenant security and stability. New clear and expanded possession grounds will be introduced so landlords can reclaim their properties when they need to.
Strengthening tenants’ rights and protections. We will empower tenants to challenge rent increases designed to force them out by the backdoor and introduce new laws to end the practice of rental bidding wars by landlords and letting agents.
Giving tenants the right to request a pet, which landlords must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse. Landlords will be able to request insurance to cover potential damage from pets if needed.
Applying a Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector to ensure homes are safe, secure and hazard free – tackling the blight of poor-quality homes.
Applying ‘Awaab’s Law’ to the sector, setting clear legal expectations about the timeframes within which landlords in the private rented sector must make homes safe where they contain serious hazards.
Creating a digital private rented sector database to bring together key information for landlords, tenants, and councils. Tenants will be able to access information to inform choices when entering new tenancies. Landlords will be able to quickly understand their obligations and demonstrate compliance, providing certainty for tenants and landlords alike. Councils will be able to use the database to target enforcement where it is needed most.
Supporting quicker, cheaper resolution when there are disputes – preventing them escalating to costly court proceedings – with a new ombudsman service for the private rented sector that will provide fair, impartial and binding resolution, to both landlords and tenants and reducing the need to go to court.
Making it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants in receipt of benefits or with children when choosing to let their property – so no family is discriminated against and denied a home when they need it.
Strengthening local councils’ enforcement powers. New investigatory powers will make it easier for councils to identify and fine unscrupulous landlords and drive bad actors out of the sector.