Renters’ Rights Bill – Latest Update

The House of Lords Report Stage is complete. The Bill will receive it’s Third Reading on 21 July (to tidy any final amendments). The final stages of scrutiny in the House of Commons will begin on 8 September. The Bill will not become law until Autumn 2025 at the earliest.

Amendments so far include;

  • Pet deposit able to be requested by landlord where tenants request a pet, expected to be in the region of max 3 weeks worth of rent. Much simpler than having to request pet insurance.
  • Student tenancy Ground 4a to cover 1 & 2 bedroom student properties as well as 3 bedroom plus. Good news for student landlords who need to ensure tenancies run with the cycle of the academic year.
  • Local authorities will be able to enter private rented properties without informing the landlord in advance to prevent unscrupulous operators from hiding evidence of breaches or intimidating tenants. Previously, officials were required to give both residents and owners 24 hours’ notice of enforcement action, and this requirement will remain for residents. Landlords and property owners will now be informed within ‘a reasonable amount of time’ after the entry has taken place.
  • The Tenant Fees Act is being integrated into ‘assured advice’ for letting agents via the Primary Authority Scheme. Therefore, agents and professional bodies supporting them will have access to clear guidance on their responsibilities under the Tenant Fees Act.

We will await further updates and share with our members as we get them.

Article abridged from Propertymark

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