Buy-to-let market reforms – what do landlords need to know?

A long time coming – when could rental reforms be introduced?

The introduction of rental reforms have been delayed several times due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, earlier this year they were put back on the agenda when they were included in the government’s Levelling Up White Paper and the Queen’s Speech.

Plans to end Section 21 evictions and introduce an ombudsman for the rental sector have been around since 2019, while the government has been carrying out a review of the Decent Homes Standard since November 2020.

The government says it’s hoping to introduce a Renters Reform Act before March 2023.

Before then, it’s likely there will be consultations and the measures will need to be approved in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Reaction: detail must follow “helpful” headline commitments

The government’s plans to strengthen possession grounds for landlords, speed up the court process, and improve access to mediation are all helpful, according to Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association.

However, he said the details that follow must “retain the confidence of responsible landlords, as well as improving tenants’ rights”.

He added: “We will be analysing the government’s plans carefully to ensure they meet this test. A failure to do so will exacerbate the housing crisis at a time when renters are struggling to find the homes they need.

“The eventual legislation needs to recognise that government actions have led to a shortage of supply in the sector at a time of record demand. It is causing landlords to leave the sector and driving up rents when people can least afford it.”

Meanwhile, Housing Secretary Michael Gove commented: “For too long many private renters have been at the mercy of unscrupulous landlords who fail to repair homes and let families live in damp, unsafe and cold properties, with the threat of unfair ‘no fault’ eviction orders hanging over them.

“Our new deal for renters will help to end this injustice by improving the rights and conditions for millions of renters as we level up across the country and deliver on the people’s priorities.”