Renters reform bill will dissolve after snap election

The Conservatives’ pledge to abolish no-fault evictions before the upcoming election will not be fulfilled following the announcement of the General Election. 

The Renters (Reform) Bill, which aims to prevent landlords from evicting tenants without a valid reason, was launched in response to a 2019 Conservative manifesto commitment to abolish Section 21 evictions. It was first introduced in the House of Commons in May 2023, but its progress was hindered by resistance from some Conservative MPs who were concerned it would lead landlords to sell their properties and sought to enhance protections for landlords.

A number of key legislative priorities were expedited on Friday, the final day MPs will convene in Parliament before the election, however, despite Labour sources suggesting their willingness to support rental reform, changes proposed by cross-bench or independent peers in the House of Lords left insufficient time to pass the legislation. Reformers will now have to wait on the result of the election on 4th July before any further progress.

Commenting Law Society of England and Wales president Nick Emmerson said:

“We have been increasingly frustrated by the delays in banning ‘no-fault’ evictions and we are disappointed in the decision to drop the Renters Reform Bill entirely during the wash-up. A ban on ‘no-fault’ evictions was a critical step in strengthening renters’ rights. The constant delays, obstruction and now complete abandonment of the Renters Reform Bill shows us that reforming the rental market has not been taken seriously. With the cost-of-living crisis and high interest rates, many renters are struggling to pay rent. The next government must treat renters’ rights as a priority.”

Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, adds

“The legislation was introduced very late on and whilst attempting to please everyone, it failed to please anyone. Many (estate) agents will be relieved that the current government’s plans to meddle with fixed term tenancies and reforming eviction grounds with little realisation of the unintended consequences will no longer pass, but this is soon outweighed by a sense of uncertainty and apprehension as to what the next government will do. Propertymark remain committed to engaging with politicians from all sides and will continue to call for agent regulation, tax reform, more resources for the courts and enforcement authorities, as well as ensuring renting property retains flexible tenancy options that have made the private rented sector the success it is today.”

Shilpa Mathuradas, head of housing litigation at Osbornes Law said:

“The much talked about Renters Reform Bill will have to await its fate until after the general election. The Bill… had already experienced delays from when it was first proposed in May 2023 when the government realised that significant reform to the court system would be necessary before section 21 could be abolished. The reality is that the court system is in complete disarray and landlords are waiting over six months in some cases for eviction after possession has been ordered. The idea therefore that the court system required reform, i.e complete digitisation of court records and a huge increase in bailiff recruitment, had already pointed to renters having to wait years before this Bill was passed. The courts are far from being ready and would require significant funding to be ready. The Bill was also said to be significantly watered down by back bench Conservative MPs controversially many of whom being landlords.

“Whilst it is renters are disappointed that the Bill would not be passed before Parliament shut down there had already been an suggestion that the passing of this Bill would be delayed despite the fact that Michael Gove committed to ending “no fault” before the general election.”

Sam Reynolds, CEO of Zero Deposit commented:

“Yet further delays to the rental reform bill as a result of the general election will come as a bitter blow to tenants and landlords alike, who have been patiently waiting for the improvements proposed to provide a greater degree of tenancy security. However, the real loss to the rental sector is the potential for longer fixed-term tenancies, a change that would bring real benefit, security and peace of mind to both landlords and tenants.

“Whoever does gain power in July will now likely have to start from scratch and given the time it’s already taken, it’s unlikely we will see any major rental reforms for quite some time. The time and expense taken to date is eye watering, not to mention investment and effort from within our sector to positively engage and shape the income.”