Our Renters' Reform Bill campaign
We need a Renters’ Reform Bill that can deliver lasting change for renters.
The Renters' Reform Bill explained
The Renters’ Reform Bill is a piece of legislation that has the potential to transform renting for good.
The main proposals in the bill are to:
scrap section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions
create a register of landlords
introduce a private rented ombudsman to help enforce renters’ rights
make it illegal for landlords and agents to refuse to rent properties to people who receive benefits
give local authorities more power to enforce and protect renters' rights
Read more about the problems, as well as our proposed solutions, in our vision for private renting.
Our stance
The government has published the details of its proposals for the Renters’ Reform Bill.
Now they must deliver on these plans by bringing them into force as soon as possible. Only then will every private renter have long-term security in their home and the power to assert their rights.
We’ll continue to put pressure on the government to deliver a Renters’ Reform Bill that will:
give renters long-term security in their homes
improve housing standards
enhance landlord, housing management agent and letting agent practice
empower renters to enforce their rights
tackle discrimination
Where is the bill now?
The government has published its plans for the Renters’ Reform Bill and promised to turn the bill into law by the end of 2022.
Key dates
February 2022: The government published the Levelling Up White Paper
In this, it recommitted to bringing forward the Renters’ Reform Bill and scrapping section 21 ‘no fault’ evictionsMay 2022: The government promised a Renters’ Reform Bill in the Queen’s Speech
It announced that the bill will abolish section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and introduce a register of landlordsJune 2022: 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. The government must now bring forward this bill and turn these plans into law to give renters the security and rights they deserveEnd of 2022: Michael Gove says the Renters’ Reform Bill will be brought forward in this parliamentary session
This means that we can expect the Renters’ Reform Bill to be debated and voted on before the end of this year
Decision-makers
Michael Gove - Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Eddie Hughes - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Rough Sleeping
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. This is because they are scared of being served a section 21 if they complain to their landlord.
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 legal requirements.
What will the Renters' Reform Bill mean for landlords?
The bill will rebalance the rights and responsibilities of renters and tenants. In doing so, it will drive up standards so that everyone will know what's expected of them. As part of the bill, the government has also committed to improving court processes, which we hope will make them simpler and easier to use for everyone.
