Overview

This bill aims to improve the private rental sector in England by creating a national register of landlords, regulating letting agents, increasing transparency of fees, requiring written tenancy agreements, and reforming selective licensing schemes.

Description

This bill introduces several key changes:

• National Landlord Register: A mandatory national register of private residential landlords will be created. Landlords must register, pay an annual fee, and provide required information. Failure to comply results in penalties.
• Regulation of Letting Agents: The bill extends the Estate Agents Act 1979 to regulate letting and managing agents, covering activities such as tenant introductions and rent collection.
• Fee Transparency: Letting and managing agents must clearly display all fees for both tenants and landlords in a standardized format across all materials, including websites and paperwork.
• Written Tenancy Agreements: All new and renewed private residential tenancies must be in writing.
• Selective Licensing: The bill amends the Housing Act 2004 to change the criteria for designating selective licensing areas, focusing on improving the local environment and providing good quality, professionally managed properties.
• Consultation: The Secretary of State must consult major stakeholders and relevant select committees before making regulations.

Government Spending

The bill requires government funding for the Secretary of State's expenditure under the Act and for any increase in sums payable under other Acts as a result of this bill. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Private Residential Landlords: Required to register, pay fees, and comply with new regulations; face penalties for non-compliance.
• Letting and Managing Agents: Subject to new regulations concerning their activities and fee transparency; potential increased costs of compliance.
• Tenants: Benefit from increased transparency of fees and the requirement for written tenancy agreements; potential improvement in the quality of rental properties and management.
• Local Authorities: Changes to selective licensing criteria may affect their ability to implement licensing schemes.

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