Private Renters Get a Major Boost with New Deal
A “new deal” is set to transform renting for 4.4 million households across England. For the first time ever, the Decent Homes Standard will be extended to the private rented sector. This means millions of renters will finally have a legal right to quality, secure homes — putting an end to the nightmare of living in substandard properties. Currently, 21% of private renters are stuck in dodgy homes failing basic standards.
Goodbye ‘No-Fault’ Evictions – Hello Security
Rogue landlords who shoo tenants out with ‘no fault’ Section 21 evictions are about to be stopped in their tracks. The government will outlaw these sudden evictions, giving renters stability in their communities and saving families an estimated £1,400 in moving costs. Shockingly, 22% of renters who moved last year didn’t do so by choice.
But landlords won’t get a free pass. The new laws will make it easier to evict tenants who won’t pay rent or who cause anti-social behaviour, cracking down on those ruining neighbourhoods.
Social Housing Tenants to Benefit from Tough New Rules
It’s not just private renters seeing change. The Social Housing Regulation Bill will impose strict new rules on all social housing providers. Shoddy landlords failing their tenants could face unlimited fines. This is part of the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, aiming to boost safety and accountability in social housing.
- New tough regulations to help tenants hold landlords to account
- Stronger enforcement powers for regulators
- Demand for genuine tenant engagement so no one lives in substandard homes
- More transparency on landlord performance and health & safety
- Better economic regulation to protect homes and fund new social housing
Landlords Face Clampdown on Low-Quality Homes and Benefits Abuse
Landlords renting out health-endangering homes will face new legal obligations to upgrade properties swiftly or lose access to taxpayer-funded benefits. Currently, £3 billion of housing benefit flows to landlords of poor-quality homes, costing the NHS up to £340 million a year in health expenses linked to terrible housing.
The North of England, in particular, faces the biggest challenge, with the highest rates of non-decent private rental homes. These reforms aim to level up living standards across the country once and for all.
New Ombudsman and Property Portal Set to Help Renters
A new Private Renters’ Ombudsman will be created to settle landlord-tenant disputes quickly, cheaply, and outside of court. Tenants will finally have a powerful ally ensuring landlords act on complaints.
Additionally, a new property portal will be launched to help landlords understand their duties and allow tenants to check on landlord performance — giving councils the tools to crack down on bad practice.
Michael Gove on the New Deal
“Too many renters are living in damp, unsafe and cold homes, powerless to put it right, and under the threat of sudden eviction.
The New Deal for renters announced today will help to end this injustice, improving conditions and rights for millions of renters.
This is all part of our plan to level up communities and improve the life chances of people from all corners of the country.”
Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to Revive Communities
Alongside these renter reforms, the government has introduced a landmark Levelling Up and Regeneration bill aimed at revitalising high streets, regenerating town centres, and delivering the quality homes communities desperately need. This bill will lay solid legal groundwork to spread opportunity and boost local pride nationwide.
