The Renters Reform Bill, if you haven't been informed, is designed with a primary objective to address issues related to rogue landlords, safeguard vulnerable residents, and enhance the safety standards of homes for tenants.
In a recent development, the Government has proposed amendments to the bill, making it unlawful for landlords and agents to impose blanket bans on renting to individuals receiving benefits or those with children. This strategic move aims to eliminate discrimination against families seeking rental homes and provide protection to the most vulnerable members of society.
Despite these changes, landlords will retain the authority to conduct referencing checks to ensure the affordability of a tenancy and maintain the final say in choosing tenants for their properties. These regulations will be applicable to England and Wales, with an extension to Scotland anticipated through a subsequent amendment to the Renters Reform Bill.
In parallel importance, a Decent Homes Standard is set to be implemented in the private rented sector for the first time. This standard establishes a clear benchmark, ensuring tenants can expect safe, warm, and decent living conditions. The specifics of this standard will be defined through ongoing consultations, contributing to the overarching goal of reducing non-decent rental homes by 50 percent by the year 2030.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove underscores the importance of these measures, stating, "Everyone deserves a home that is safe, warm, and decent. Unfortunately, too many individuals are residing in conditions that fall below acceptable standards. As part of our Long-Term Plan for Housing, we are elevating housing standards across the entire private rented sector, concurrently putting an end to discrimination against vulnerable individuals and families unjustly denied access to housing."
Gove further emphasizes that local authorities will be granted enhanced enforcement powers to mandate landlords to bring their properties up to decent standards, with penalties reaching up to £30,000 or, in severe cases, a banning order. Tenants will also benefit from extended rights, now able to claim up to 24 months of rent through rent repayment orders, up from the previous 12 months.
Additionally, councils will be equipped with strengthened powers to investigate landlords renting substandard homes, providing them with the necessary tools to identify and take enforcement action against the minority engaging in criminal practices, ultimately driving them out of the sector.
These proposed amendments are set to undergo scrutiny at the Committee stage in the House of Commons. According to the government, they represent a crucial next step in establishing a fairer system for both tenants and landlords, enhancing clarity and enforceability of existing rules to support the majority of responsible landlords.