Richard Pallister’s initial thoughts on the Government’s “Renter’s Rights Bill update”:-
“After many months of confusion and in some cases panic, the Gov has finally published some guidance on the proposed Renter’s Rights Bill which we can now digest and prepare for. Whilst the detail is yet to be seen, it is likely that the Gov’s proposals will not unduly affect or worry most of our clients. The main thrust of the much publicised proposed reforms seems to centre around the removal of a landlords ability to serve a “no fault eviction notice” using a section 21. Currently, a landlord can serve a section 21 which gives a tenant 2 months notice to vacate, without having to provide a reason. In my 30 years of lettings experience, I have never been asked to serve a section 21 on a whim, and for no reason at all. Afterall, most landlords want a tenant to stay in a property and provide a steady income stream. There are of course other changes proposed, but, as long as a landlord’s main concerns are covered, ie they are still able to obtain possession if they wish to sell the property, move into it themselves, or are able to regain possession if a tenant breaches terms of the contract, then I think the proposed changes to abolish section 21 notices should not be seen as being disastrous for landlords.
The Bill must successfully go through the House of Commons and then the House of Lords, and as we get further updates and more detail, we will endeavour to keep you informed. The devil will of course be in the detail, which we are assured the Government is working on. My general advice to landlords is not to panic, and to coin a phrase, “ keep calm and carry on.” An overview of the bill is attached for your information, along with a link to the full guide published on the 11th September 2024.
If you have any questions regarding these proposed changes, or regarding any residential letting issues, please do not hesitate to contact our office.”
