Changes to the Renters (Reform) Bill to crack down on rogue landlords, protect vulnerable residents and improve the decency and safety of homes for millions of tenants were introduced by the government yesterday (15th November).
The government has tabled amendments to make it illegal for landlords and agents to have blanket bans on renting to people who receive benefits or who have children — ensuring families aren’t discriminated against when looking for a home to rent and protecting the most vulnerable.
Alongside this, a Decent Homes Standard (DHS) will be applied to the private rented sector (PRS) for the first time, which will set a clear bar for what tenants should expect from their home.
It will be set following further consultation and will help to meet the target of reducing non-decency in rented homes by 50% by 2030.
Michael Gove, secretary of state for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), said:“Everyone deserves a home that is safe, warm and decent.
“But far too many live in conditions that fall well below what is acceptable.
“As part of our long-term plan for housing we are improving housing standards across the entire PRS, while also ending discrimination against vulnerable people and families who are being unfairly denied access to a home.”
Local authorities will be given new enforcement powers to require landlords to make properties decent, with fines up to £30,000 or a banning order.
Tenants will also be able to claim up to 24 months’ rent back through rent repayment orders, up from 12 months previously.
Councils will also be given stronger powers to investigate landlords who rent substandard homes, providing them with the tools they need to identify and take enforcement action against the criminal minority.
Guy Gittins, CEO at Foxtons, commented: “The vast majority of landlords provide high quality rental accommodation. and so, for those already operating above board, it remains business as usual.
“However, it’s promising to see the government’s intent to crack down on rogue landlords.
“This will not only ensure that everyone has the same chance to secure a rental home, but that when they do, the home they are provided with is fit for purpose.”
Sam Reynolds, CEO at Zero Deposit, commented: “Today’s news will be viewed as a step in the right direction for tenants and landlords alike.
“It’s good to see the government has finally heard our calls to improve standards within the rental sector.
“Not only does this mean tenants will benefit from an improved standard of living, but legitimate landlords who work tirelessly to provide quality rental accommodation will no longer have to compete against those who cut corners in order to maximise their profit margins.
“But this falls considerably short in creating remedies to core issues within the market — such as a lack of available lettings stock which is driving up average rents and providing stimulus for landlords to invest in growing the PRS."
Marc Von Grundherr, director at Benham and Reeves, commented: “Any move to improve rental market standards is, of course, very welcome indeed.
“However, it does seem a tad ironic that the government believes they are waging war on rogue landlords, given they are arguably the cause of the issue to begin with.
“Having battered BTL profitability in recent years through numerous legislative changes, the government has caused many legitimate landlords to exit the sector.
“This has inevitably led to a reduction in the level of high quality rental accommodation available to tenants, leaving the door open for rogue landlords to capitalise on their desperation to find a property.”
