Library briefing signals Renters' Reform Bill could be included in Queen's Speech 2022

The Queen's Speech signals the start of the next parliamentary session and announces the proposed policies and legislation that the government will focus on in 2022 for the coming session.

The already-published House of Commons Library briefing "identifies issues and bills that may appear in the Queen's Speech on 10 May 2022 or require legislation in the forthcoming parliamentary session" - and touches on the status of the Renters' Reform Bill.

Will the Queen's Speech 2022 include more details of the Renters' Reform Bill?

The House of Commons Library briefing for the Queen's Speech 2022 outlines all the legislation that has been carried over or published in draft in the current session; any legislation plans that haven't progressed; and any speculation around future legislation.

The Renters' Reform Bill falls under the category of "bills announced but not yet introduced", which covers bills that "have not progressed and might still form part of the Government’s plans".

The briefing repeats the expectation that the Renters' Reform Bill White Paper will be released in spring 2022.

The Renters Reform Coalition, made up of 33 organisations, has shared a letter with 10 Downing Street, asking again for the abolition of Section 21 evictions to be reflected in the Queen's 2022 speech. 

Nikki da Costa, former No. 10 advisor, has shared her opinion, saying that one of the "likely new bills" this session is a Private Rented Sector Bill, which will cover the Decent Homes Standard in the Private Rented Sector, a National Landlord Register, abolishing Section 21, and so on.

She does, however, highlight that the programme is "already packed" and suggests that, as the White Paper is now due, legislating this session would be "ambitious".

What have previous speeches covered?

In both 2019 and 2021 - with a break in 2020 due to Covid-19 - the Queen's Speech touched on the topic of tenant rights.

In 2019, the speech introduced the concept of the Renters' Reform Bill. After a pause in 2020, the 2021 Queen's Speech brought the reform bill back to the table, including plans to:

• Publish a consultation response on reforming tenancy law to abolish Section 21 "no fault" evictions while strengthening repossession grounds for landlords when they have valid cause
• Outline proposals for its proposed lifetime deposit model to help ease the burden on tenants when moving from one tenancy to the next
• Bring forward reforms to drive improvements in standards in rented accommodation, including by ensuring all tenants have a right to redress, and exploring the merits of a landlord register

What timeline was proposed in the Queen's Speech 2021?

The 2021 Queen's speech promised a White Paper detailing this reform package in autumn 2021, with legislation to follow in due course. 

This was pushed back to spring 2022, although elements of the proposed reforms were included in the November 2021 Levelling Up White Paper - which included mention of a landlord register, new standards, redress, and improved material information rules.

You can read more about what's already been proposed for rental reform in our guide to the Renters' Reform Bill and our guide to the Levelling Up White Paper.