Overview

The Rented Homes Bill aims to abolish assured shorthold tenancies in England and reform the grounds on which landlords can regain possession of their properties. It introduces new grounds for possession, including the landlord's intention to sell or refurbish the property, and expands existing grounds, while also adding protections for tenants in certain circumstances.

Description

This bill primarily amends the Housing Act 1988. Its key changes include:

• Abolition of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs): ASTs, a common type of tenancy agreement, will be abolished in England. This will not apply to existing tenancies immediately but will be phased in over a 3-year period.
• Expanded Grounds for Possession: The bill introduces new grounds for landlords to regain possession, including:
  • The landlord intends to live in the property (requiring at least 12 months of occupancy).
  • The landlord intends to sell the property at market value (with evidence of active steps taken to sell).
  • The landlord intends to refurbish the property (with evidence of the need for the refurbishment and that it is impractical for the tenant to remain during this time).
  • A member of the landlord's family intends to live in the property (requiring at least 12 months of occupancy).
• Amendments to Existing Grounds: Existing grounds for possession are also amended and clarified to ensure fairness and equity.
• Transitional Provisions: The bill includes transitional arrangements to manage the changeover from ASTs to other tenancies. Existing tenancies will not be immediately affected, phasing out over three years, with exceptions for tenancies with ongoing possession proceedings.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The impact on government spending is likely to be indirect, potentially including costs related to administrative changes and dispute resolution arising from the changes in tenancy laws.

Groups Affected

• Landlords: Will face changes to the types of tenancy agreements they can offer and stricter requirements for regaining possession of their properties.
• Tenants: Will experience changes to their tenancy agreements, potentially greater security of tenure in some cases, but also possibly facing stricter eviction processes under the expanded grounds for possession.
• Housing Courts: Will likely see an increase in cases related to the new grounds for possession.
• Legal Professionals: May see an increase in demand for their services related to the new legislation.

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