RENTERS' REFORM LEGISLATION BEING INTRODUCED TO PARLIAMENT TODAY

In the course of discussions with senior officials in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) this week, Propertymark has received information that the Renters Reforms legislation is scheduled to be presented to the UK Parliament later today.

Now, let's explore how the parliamentary process works.

Once the legislation is introduced to Parliament, it will undergo a process known as the "first Reading," during which the complete Bill will be published.

This initial stage marks the commencement of the Bill's journey through Parliament.

The subsequent step is the "Second Reading," which provides Members of Parliament (MPs) with their first opportunity to debate the general principles and themes of the Bill. This important discussion is expected to occur during the week commencing 5th June 2023, and ARLA Propertymark plans to issue a briefing to all parliamentarians regarding the Bill.

The Renters Reforms legislation is expected to incorporate numerous measures outlined in the UK Government's "A Fairer Private Rented Sector" White Paper, which was published in June 2022.

This encompasses three primary focal points:

1. The abolition of Section 21 evictions and the establishment of a simpler tenancy structure featuring reformed grounds for possession.
2. The introduction of a new Ombudsman responsible for overseeing all private landlords, aiming to enhance dispute resolution mechanisms.
3. The implementation of improved compliance and robust enforcement through the establishment of a new Property Portal.

However, certain measures proposed by the UK Government are still being reviewed, such as the ban on "No DSS" practices and the Decent Homes Standard.

Propertymark is currently participating in workshops organized by DLUHC regarding these aspects to contribute to the policy development process.

Consequently, the introduction of additional secondary legislation will be necessary at a later stage to address these areas.