Renters Reform Bill stuck at final hurdle before publication

A behind the scenes mix-up is thought to be behind a small delay to the long-awaited publication of the Renters Reform Bill, The Neg understands.

Housing Secretary Michael Gove (main picture) told Sky News last week that the Bill would be out this week, saying that it would “change the way in which the relationship between landlords and tenants work”. The bill will be based on the White Paper, A Fairer Private Rented Sector, published in June last year.

PROPOSALS

In 2019 the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consulted on proposals to end ‘no-fault’ evictions by repealing section 21 of the Housing Act 1988; extend the grounds for possession under section 8; remove landlords’ ability to grant new assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) and improve the processing of repossession orders.

But the Mirror reports that the long-anticipated overhaul had been postponed due to “procedural issues”.

Now sources at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities have confirmed to The Neg that “by no means has the Bill been kicked into the long grass” and that it will be published sooner rather than later.

PROCEDURAL ISSUES

There are major hoops a Bill must go through within the confines of Parliament before it can be published. For instance, a slot in the legislative programme must be secured whereby departments must bid for a slot in the legislative programme for any bills they wish to introduce.

Oli Sherlock, Director of Insurance, Goodlord, says: “It’s really disappointing that the Renters Reform Bill has been delayed yet again, especially after the commitment from Michael Gove in recent weeks.

“This Bill has been kicked along the road too many times to count and further delays are feeding uncertainty in a private rented sector that desperately needs stability and a long-term vision.

“With a commitment to deliver the Bill “shortly” we hope this delay in publishing means within the next week – rather than months.”