A new deal for renting: resetting the balance of rights and responsibilities between landlords and tenants has been published on the 21st July 2019.
Summary
This consultation seeks views on implementing the government’s decision to remove Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 and improving section 8 eviction grounds.
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on the 12th October 2019
Consultation description
The government is committed to modernising the rented sector, and intends to introduce a new, fairer deal for both landlords and tenants.
On 15 April 2019, the government announced that it will put an end to so called ‘no-fault’ evictions by repealing section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. Under the new framework, a tenant cannot be evicted from their home without good reason. This will provide tenants with more stability, protecting them from having to make frequent moves at short notice, and enabling them to put down roots and plan for the future.
The government also proposed to strengthen the section 8 eviction process, so landlords are able to regain their property should they wish to sell it or move into it themselves. This will provide a more secure legal framework and a more stable rental market for landlords to remain and invest in.
This consultation seeks views on how section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 has been used in the past, and the circumstances in which landlords should be able to regain possession once it has been abolished, including what changes may be necessary to the existing grounds for possession in Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988.
We are also inviting views on the implications of removing the ability of landlords to grant assured shorthold tenancies in the future, how the processing of repossession orders through the courts could be improved, and whether the reforms should be extended to other types of landlords, most notably, to housing associations.
Documents
A new deal for renting: frequently asked questions for landlords and tenants
Ways to Respond
or Email to:
TenancyReform@communities.gov.uk
or Write to:
Private
Rented Sector Strategy and Reform Division
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Third Floor, South West – Fry Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
