The second reading of the Renters’ Rights Bill was held by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner on 9 October 2024. This is the first time the Bill has been addressed and debated in Parliament since it was announced in September 2024. The Government says the main goal is ‘to ensure that all tenants can live in a decent, safe and affordable home’.

A call for an amendment to stop the bill from progressing further due to the ‘unintended consequences’ to the sector was not accepted.

Labour MPs suggest that removing the section 21 no-fault eviction provision will give tenants the confidence to report damp and mould without fear of eviction. The Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law will also be rolled out to all sectors.

A modernised and digitised county court process is proposed, which aims to resolve disputes more efficiently. Arguably this will be essential; the increased number of non-mandatory possession claims issued through the courts once the accelerated possession procedure is abolished will add further pressure to the already busy, struggling court system. 

The Bill introduces a new Property Ombudsman, which all private landlords in England with assured or regulated tenancies will be required by law to join, including those who use a managing agent. This is aimed at supporting quicker and cheaper resolution where there are disputes and it is hoped will play a crucial role in preventing cases escalating to costly court proceedings.

The Bill will move to the committee stage, chaired by Florence Eshalomi MP, where more detailed scrutiny will take place.

For more information

For more information on the Renters' Rights Bill, please contact me.