The Renters (Reform) Bill was not passed before the government was dissolved for the general election. So, what is next for the infamous bill?
Following the announcement of a general election on 4 July, there are various stages that the government must go through before it is dissolved on 30 May.
However, now that parliament has officially been prorogued as of 24 May, it is now confirmed that the Renters (Reform) Bill won’t be passed in this government.
But what does this mean? Here is a quick guide to give you all the information:
- Why was the Renters (Reform) Bill not passed?
- Will letting agents see the Renters (Reform) Bill again?
- What can letting agents expect in the future?
Why was the Renters (Reform) Bill not passed?
For a general election to take place, both the House of Commons and the House of Lords must be dissolved to mark the official end of government. Because of this, all outstanding bills must be passed and receive royal assent before parliament is closed, to essentially start the next party with a clean slate.
The Renters (Reform) Bill was part of the large number of bills to be discussed in the House of Lords.
With question marks still surrounding the bill, such as section 21 no-fault evictions, to put it simply there was not enough time before parliament closed, and the bill did not become law.
Will letting agents see the Renters (Reform) Bill again?
It may be possible, in one way or another, that letting agents and landlords will see a form of the Renters (Reform) Bill in the future. This could be through reelection of the Conservative government, or another government proposing legislation like this bill in the future.
However, it is unlikely that the private rental sector will see this exact form of the bill again.
In 2022, the Labour Party proposed plans for rental reform through their Renters Charter, which planned to abolish no-fault evictions, a legally binding Decent Homes Standard, and the introduction of a national landlord register.
The Liberal Democrats also have their version of the Renters (Reform) Bill, and while it does not have a catchy name like the Conservative or Labour party, there are similar promises. In their pledges, the Liberal Democrats aim to “strengthen rights for renters in the private sector”, through banning no-fault evictions and making longer tenancies default.
Find out more about the housing proposals and plans suggested by the Conservative and Labour parties
What can letting agents expect in the future?
The upcoming weeks will be key for agents and landlords to understand what each party promises for the private rental sector.
Before the election takes place on 4 July, political parties will release their manifestos on what they wish to achieve if elected. While it is not a legal requirement for parties to adhere to their manifestos promised if elected, it will be a good indication of where they stand regarding the private rental sector.
Goodlord will keep you up to date on everything agents will need to know in the upcoming weeks.
This article is intended as a guide only and does not constitute legal advice. Visit gov.uk for more information.
