A ban on landlords evicting tenants without a valid reason is among the ‘landmark’ renting reforms to be introduced to Parliament today.
The long-awaited ban on Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, which would apply to both new and existing tenancies, is part of the new Renters' Rights Bill.
The previous government failed on its pledge to end the practice.
The Local Government Association (LGA) welcomed the news, and said Section 21 notices were the main cause of people asking councils for homelessness support.
Labour's new Bill also extends both ‘Awaab’s Law’, under which landlords must fix reported health and safety hazards within a strict timeframe, and the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector.
Under the Decent Homes Standard, councils will be able to fine landlords up to £7,000 if they fail to address serious hazards.
The Bill bans landlords from accepting bids above the asking rent; limits rent rises to once a year and prohibits blanket bans on tenants who have children or receive benefits.
It also introduces a Private Rented Sector Database with information on landlords to support councils' enforcement.
LGA housing spokesperson Adam Hug said the association would work with the Government so councils had ‘the right powers, skills, capacity and resources to undertake effective enforcement activity’.
Campaign group Renters’ Reform Coalition said the legislation was stronger than the previous government’s Renters (Reform) Bill, but warned that it must close all loopholes that landlords could use to evict tenants.
