A Look into the Future of the Private Rented Sector - The Publication of theWhite Paper & Renters Reform

After a lot of back and forth, the Government finally published the fairer private rented sector white paper on the 16th of June 2022 which outlines what will ensure millions of families benefit from living in decent, well looked-after homes as part of the biggest shake up of the private rented sector in 30 years.

A new blueprint for renters reform will end the injustice of properties which are unfit for Human Habitation and help protect renters from rising cost of living. The changes are pivotal and significant, and include:-

The removal of the section 21 notice (Form 6A. So-called ‘no fault’ section 21 evictions (which for clarity, NOT EVICTIONS) that allow landlords to terminate tenancies without giving any reason – will no longer be possible.

Extending the Decent Homes Standard within the Private Rented Sector

The end to arbitrary rent review clauses, which will give tenants stronger powers to challenge poor practice, unjustified rent increases and enable tenants to be repaid rent for non-decent homes (RROs)

A blanket ban on refusing to rent to families with children or tenants in receipt of benefits

Making it easier for tenants to share their homes with much-loved pets

The white paper marks a generational shift that will redress the balance between landlords and 4.4 million private rented tenants.