THE POST-ELECTION PRS
First Published - 29th May 2024
JMW Solicitors
With the general election being called the Renters (Reform) Bill has been lost. It cannot be revived and any new government will need to start again from scratch. Inevitably this has people wondering what the PRS will look like under any new government. These are my thoughts, I stress that they are opinions only and not based on any commitments or statements by politicians or advisors in either party.
Renters Reform Bill moves to House of Lords
After months of waiting the Renters Reform Bill finally passed its third reading in the House of Commons yesterday, Coverage for the Bill has been widespread in the national press and trade press, some of which has been inaccurately reported.
Abolishing Section 21
This WILL happen. It is a manifesto commitment and the Housing Minister stressed that six months’ notice (a transitionary period) before ending section 21 tenancies to give the sector some time to implement these changes. There is a continued commitment to improving the county court system to adjust to the new possession processes.
Renters Reform Bill moves to next Stage
Renters Reform Bill finally moved to the next stage. After months of waiting, the Bill moves to Report Stage and MPs will have the opportunity to make further amendments.
Renters Reform Bill to return to the Commons after Easter Recess
On the 27th March 2024, Jacob Young MP wrote to Conservative MPs regarding the Renters Reform Bill. He stated that the Conservatives are committed to “creating a fairer private rental sector” – standing on the promise that: - “if you’re a tenant, you will be protected from revenge evictions and rogue landlords, and if you are one of the many good landlords, we will strengthen your rights of possession”.
During her time as Housing Minister, Rachel Maclean MP made amendments to the Bill to bolster landlord protections which included making it clear that legislation would not be implemented until sufficient progress has been made improving courts, and scrapping proposals that would have both forced landlords to make expensive energy efficiency upgrades to their homes.
The Commons Committee reviewed concerns that have been put forward and as such, Government will bring forward further improvements at Commons Report Stage.