Introduction

In July 2022 we published an article on the Government’s White Paper ‘A Fairer Private Rented Sector’ which set out the proposed reforms to the private rented sector generally and overall housing quality.

After much consultation, on 17 May 2023, the bill was published as the ‘Renters (Reform) Bill’ (‘the Bill’). There are also Explanatory Notes which set out the reforms more clearly. The Bill contains many of the planned reforms and will significantly impact both the private rented and social housing sectors.

It is now making its way through the parliamentary process. After some last minute ‘procedural’ delays, the long awaited and eagerly anticipated Bill has finally started its journey.

Only time will tell as to how many of its provisions will survive the parliamentary scrutiny and debate process, or what new additions might be made to it.

The aim of the legislative reform is to overhaul the renting sector; delivering greater protections to tenants and safer, fairer and high quality homes.

That said, some aspects of the Bill instantly met harsh criticism asserting that, as a result of the proposed reforms, further pressure will be placed on an already overwhelmed court system. Additionally, some say that the changes will exacerbate the current housing crisis.

Even as it stands in its draft form, to cover every nuance of the Bill would require a short novel. We have therefore highlighted the most significant elements of the Bill in this article.

There is still much consultation to take place and further guidance and regulation is expected before every aspect of the Bill is ready to go but, for now, here are key takeaways as the Bill currently stands