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England

The Renters Reform Bill

This proposed law could transform our broken private rented sector, delivering the lasting change needed for renters to thrive.

What the bill plans to do:

  • scrap section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions

  • make it illegal for landlords and agents to refuse to rent properties to people who receive benefits or have children

  • create a national landlord register through the new property portal which will give renters all the information they need to make an informed choice before entering into a tenancy agreement

  • introduce new grounds for eviction for landlords who genuinely want to sell their properties or move back in

But, before the bill becomes law, we're still campaigning to make sure renters’ rights will be strengthened as much as possible.

What we believe the bill must also do:

  • end all unfair evictions by making sure that there are no loopholes for landlords to exploit

  • give renters more time to find a new home when they have been evicted by increasing notice periods from two to four months

  • tackle unfair affordability barriers that are put in the way of renters trying to find homes e.g. asking for two month's rent or more in advance

  • make sure the property portal will have all the information renters need when choosing where to live

Where is the bill today?

The bill has been brought forward to parliament, where MPs and Peers will scrutinise it and make important changes. They will then ultimately decide whether to pass it into law.

2024

  • The pressure is on for the government to pass a strong, amended, Renters Reform Bill into law urgently, to give renters the security and rights they deserve.

2023

  • November: The bill was scrutinised in more depth at 'Committee' stage
    A smaller group of MPs are selected to form the Bill Committee. They spend two weeks doing a line-by-line examination of the bill’s clauses. Minister Jacob Young takes over responsibility for the Renters Reform Bill following the Prime Minister’s November reshuffle.  

  • October: MPs debated the bill at 'Second Reading' 
    In this stage, MPs from across all political parties gathered to debate the main principles of the bill.  

  • May: The government introduced the Renters Reform Bill to parliament 
    After a long wait, the Renters Reform Bill's passage through parliament finally began in the House of Commons. This stage is called 'First Reading'.

2022

  • June: The government published 'A Fairer Private Rented Sector' White Paper
    In this, it set out the details of its plans for the Renters Reform Bill and promised to bring it forward.

Decision makers

Michael Gove MP

Michael Gove
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Jacob Young - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Levelling Up)

Jacob Young
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Levelling Up)

Our stance

The government has been promising us a new system for private renters since 2019 - and we’re tired of waiting.

This bill needs to be the beginning of a fairer system. One where renters' homes don’t make them unwell, where they feel able to put down roots in their communities, and no longer worry about being unfairly evicted.

By working with renters and amplifying their voices, we can make sure the government delivers the life-changing reforms that are so desperately needed. Only then will every private renter have long-term security in their home and the power to assert their rights.

Sign the petition

Renters' Home Truths

In the summer of 2022, we asked Shelter supporters to share their experiences of private renting in England.

Over 1,700 renters told us their stories and shed light on the day-to-day struggles they are facing up and down the country.

Their negative experiences are the reason a strong Renters Reform Bill must be passed into law as soon as possible.

Read the results from our survey

A woman holds her baby in her kitchen

Frequently asked questions

How will scrapping section 21 reform renting?

Scrapping section 21 'no fault' evictions will relieve renters from the constant fear of eviction so they can freely exercise their renting rights. Right now, they're putting up with anything from negligence to dangerous living conditions, afraid to complain to their landlord in case they are evicted.
Read more

Why is a landlord register important?

A landlord register will mean that people can enter into a tenancy agreement knowing who they will be paying rent to and who they're trusting to follow the law. They will also know if their landlord's properties meet all the legal requirements they need to.
Read more

What will the Renters Reform Bill mean for landlords?

The bill will rebalance the rights and responsibilities of renters and landlords. In doing so, it will drive up standards and everyone will know what's expected of them. As part of the bill, landlords will still be able to regain possession of their home, they'll just have to provide a legitimate reason for doing so.