Overview

The Tenancies (Reform) Bill aims to improve tenant rights in England by preventing landlords from evicting tenants in retaliation for reporting housing issues and by introducing fairer notice periods and processes for ending assured shorthold tenancies.

Description

This bill makes several key changes to the law concerning assured shorthold tenancies in England. It introduces measures to prevent retaliatory evictions. Landlords cannot serve a Section 21 notice (a no-fault eviction notice) within six months of a tenant reporting housing problems to the landlord or local council, unless specific exceptions apply. The bill also sets minimum time limits before a Section 21 notice can be served (four months after the tenancy begins) and limits the time landlords have to start eviction proceedings (six months after serving the notice). Furthermore, it requires landlords to comply with legal requirements related to housing conditions, health and safety, and energy performance before serving an eviction notice. The bill mandates a prescribed form for Section 21 notices and allows for rent apportionment if a tenant is evicted before the end of a rental period but has paid rent in advance. Finally, the bill sets a three-year transition period for applying the new rules to existing tenancies.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify government spending figures. The primary impact will be on local authorities responsible for processing housing complaints and potentially enforcing the new regulations; however, there is no indication of how this will affect government spending. Additional costs may arise from any needed legislative support or additional court cases.

Groups Affected

• Tenants: The bill strengthens their rights by protecting against unfair evictions and providing clearer processes for ending tenancies.
• Landlords: The bill imposes stricter rules on evictions, requiring them to meet certain conditions before serving a Section 21 notice.
• Local Housing Authorities: Increased workload relating to tenant complaints and potential enforcement of the new regulations.
• Courts: Potential increase in cases related to disputes arising from the new regulations.

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