Renters’ Rights Bill will protect tenants against homelessness

Today (Wednesday 11 September 2024) the Westminster government will introduce the Renters’ Rights Bill, aiming to reform the rental sector and give greater protection to prospective and current tenants.

Key areas that the Bill is expected to address include:

• Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions will be abolished shortly after Royal Assent
• Notice periods will be extended to four months for most grounds
• The Bill will establish periodic tenancies in full
• In-tenancy rent increases will be limited to ‘market rate’ and a maximum of once a year.

While these measures are hugely welcome and long overdue, Crisis is calling on the Westminster government to take stronger action so that people can afford their rents. This, the charity says, will protect people from being pushed into homelessness, and reduce the barriers created by unaffordability for people trying to move on from homelessness.

Crisis is also urging the government to pass the Bill as quickly as possible to reduce high numbers of tenants being served a ‘no-fault’ eviction before this legislation becomes law.

Matt Downie, Crisis Chief Executive, said: “The Renters’ Rights Bill offers a real glimmer of hope in a world that has long felt stacked against renters, and will provide tenants with long-overdue security and protection against homelessness.

“Abolishing ‘no-fault’ evictions, which are the leading cause of homelessness in England, and extending notice periods, are just some of the very welcome measures that will ease the anxiety experienced by hundreds of thousands of renters. They will finally be able to sleep at night knowing they won’t wake up tomorrow faced with the threat of homelessness.

“But there is still work to be done. We need stronger action from government to ensure people can afford their rents, and for the Bill to be passed quickly to stop a rush on renters being served an eviction notice over the coming months. For now, we’re delighted to finally see some good news for renters.”

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