The Renters’ Rights Bill was introduced to Parliament on September 11, 2024 and will have an impact on private renting in Dartford.
The Bill delivers on the Government’s manifesto commitment to overhaul regulation of the private rented sector. It aims to improve the current system for private renters’ landlords in England. The Bill also aims to give greater stability to renters so they can stay in their homes for longer, build lives in their communities and avoid the risk of homelessness.
The Bill will introduce the following measures including:
- Abolish section 21 evictions
- Ensure possession grounds are fair to both parties
- Provide stronger protections against backdoor eviction
- Introduce a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman
- Create a nationally delivered Private Rented Sector database
- Give tenants strengthened rights to request a pet in the property
- Apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector
- Apply ‘Awaab’s Law’ dealing with damp, mould and condensation in homes in the private rented sector
- Make it illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective tenants in receipt of benefits or with children
- End the practice of rental bidding by prohibiting landlords and agents from asking for or accepting offers above the advertised rent
- Prevent landlord and agents from asking for more than a month rent in advance
- Strengthen the local authority enforcement powers
- Strengthen Rent Repayment Orders.
The exact timescale for the introduction of these measures is currently not defined but, in the meantime, more information can be found here:
- Guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill
- Renters’ Rights Bill Parliamentary Stages
- Shelter summary and timeline of the Bill at its different stages
We will continue to update this webpage as the Bill progresses and will arrange a Landlords Forum when it is enacted. In the meantime, if you would like to discuss the Bill further please Contact the Private Sector Housing Team.