Private sector renters and social housing tenants will enjoy additional protections as a result of new legislation proposed in the Queen’s Speech.
The Social Housing Regulation Bill will strengthen the role of the Housing Ombudsman and the Regulator to enable tenants to better hold their landlord to account.
In addition, the Renters Reform Bill will strengthen protections for private renters, by extending the Decent Homes Standard to the sector for the first time, and giving all renters the legal right to a safe and warm home.
It will also abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions – something the LGA and councils have been calling for the Government to introduce since it was included in its 2019 manifesto.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, the LGA’s Housing Spokesperson, said: “Councils want their tenants to have the security of a safe and well-maintained home with any issues quickly and satisfactorily addressed, and we are keen to continue working with councils, the regulator and the ombudsman to support the implementation of the reforms.
“A dramatic recent rise in the number of ‘no fault’ evictions from the private-rented sector is putting additional pressure on homelessness services, so we are glad that a plan to strengthen safeguards for private renters is finally in place, allowing renters to challenge poor practice and unfair rent increases without fear of eviction.”