What happens at the end of your tenancy

The Renters' Reform Bill was introduced to parliament on 11 September 2024. If passed without amendment, the Bill will significantly overhaul the structure for private rented sector housing and repeal Section 21, alongside a number of other significant measures including the removal of fixed term tenancies, the expansion of Rent Repayment Orders, and a new landlord Ombudsman. There are many hurdles for the Bill to clear as part of the process of parliamentary scrutiny, but as Labour have a majority in the House of Commons the legislation could go through as quickly as next spring, with the reforms being implemented by late summer 2025.

Propertymark met with Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, MP, and Baroness Taylor, Lords Housing Minister, ahead of the Renters’ Rights Bill being introduced to parliament on 11 September 2024, to hear details of the UK Government’s proposals and provide initial feedback on behalf of members. Key features of the Bill include the abolition of Section 21, a ban on in-tenancy rent increases, and the removal of fixed-term tenancies. Our engagement with Ministers and officials will continue as the Bill progresses, with further meetings already arranged.

The long-delayed Bill included over 200 amendments as it returned to the House of Commons for its Report Stage and Third Reading on 24 April 2024. Having been voted through by MPs it will now move to the Upper House, with Housing Secretary Michael Gove MP controversially stating that it’s up to the House of Lords to decide how quickly the Bill can become law.

The Leader of the House of Commons has confirmed the remaining stages of the Renters (Reform) Bill will take place on Wednesday 24 April 2024 with some key changes to the Bill brought forward. Whilst the UK Government has listened and reacted to some industry concerns, another chance has been wasted to effectively regulate property agents.