Renters Rights Bill: Change is Imminent

Significant Change is Imminent

The Renters’ Rights Bill is approaching it’s 2nd Reading in the House of Lords on the 4th February 2025 which means it will be the first opportunity for members of the Lords to debate the key principles and main purpose of the Bill and to flag up any concerns or specific areas where they think amendments are needed.

Key concerns being raised by Stakeholders:-

• Assured tenancy: prohibition of rent in advance
• The restrictions within Grounds 1, 1A and 1B of Section 8
• Possession on ground 6B: compensation for tenant
• Statutory procedure for increases of rent
• Timing of notice to quit by tenants under assured tenancies
• Terms in mortgages relating to children or benefits status
• Terms in insurance contracts relating to children or benefits status
• Landlord and dwelling entries - Making entries in the database (Fees for landlord and dwelling entries)
• Access to the database
• Rent repayment orders: liability of directors etc

One pressing question is “What is the likelihood that the Bill will in February 2025?” There is no set time frame, however, it is important to note the following:-

1. The legislation within the bill may come into effect immediately, after a set period or only after a commencement order by a government minister.
2. A commencement order is designed to bring into force the whole or part of an Act of Parliament at a date later than the date of the royal assent.
3. If there is no commencement order, the Act will come into force from midnight at the start of the day of the royal assent.

It is likely that the Bill will become Law in March 2025 BUT not enforced immediately?

Why? Because a SIGNIFICANT amount of ground work needs to be done before the legislation comes into force.