The Renters Reform Bill

The Renters Reform Bill can deliver lasting change for private renters.

The Renters Reform Bill explained

The Renters Reform Bill is a proposed law that can transform private renting for good.

The bill plans to:

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.

So, the bill must also:

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 months’ rent or more in advance
make sure the property portal will have all the information renters need when choosing where to live

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.

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Where is the bill now?

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. The government has promised to do this before the next general election.

Key dates

May 2023: The government brings their bill to fix renting to parliament
The Renters Reform Bill's passage through parliament begins. The government must now pass this bill into law to give renters the security and rights they deserve.

June 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.

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

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.
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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.
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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.

More ways to take action

The Renters Reform Bill