A’ murder of activists’ are crowing over the government’s briefing notes on its major reform of the PRS in the Queen’s Speech and has “listened to the voice of renters” in its major reform of the PRS.

Image credit: Pexels

Yesterday (Tuesday 10th May) the government stated that the long promised White Paper will be published this year ahead of a Renters Reform Bill which will be a drastic reform of the sector.

Top of the list is abolishing the so called ‘no fault’ Section 21 evictions which will be “giving renters better rights when they are told to leave despite complying with the terms of their tenancy.”

However the government intends to introduce definitive landlords’ legal rights for possession in cases of tenants anti-social behaviour and most importantly repeatedly failing to pay rent.

It also highly likely that privately rented homes will have to comply with the same minimum standards as regulated social rented homes, as well as a new landlord property register and an ombudsman that will take charge of disputes between landlords and tenants which “will ensure disputes can be easily resolved without going to court.”

Anti-landlord activists ‘herald’ this as a triumphant victory.

Baroness Alicia Kennedy, head of  Generation Rent, says: "We can’t level up without dramatic improvements to the quality of rented homes. Reforming tenancies and raising standards in the private rented sector are essential first steps towards this so the government’s recommitment to a Renters Reform Bill is hugely important.

"Renters have been waiting three years for the government to abolish these insidious Section 21 evictions. Finally, legislation looks to be on its way.

"But we can’t rest until the changes are passed into law. Now it’s the details that matter.

"It is essential that any new tenancy regime reduces the number of unwanted moves and gives renters the confidence to challenge poor practice by landlords.

"The plans also appear to address the desperate lack of regulation of private landlords, with a new ombudsman, a property portal and a requirement to meet the Decent Homes Standard. We need more detail on each, but they are essential measures if private renters are to exercise their rights effectively.”

Polly Neate, chief executive of campaigning charity Shelter, says: “Today’s Queen’s Speech shows the government has listened to the voices of renters, who have been fighting for a long time to be heard. For years private renters have said they need more security, so they don’t have to live in constant fear of a no-fault eviction.

“These vital bills could finally give renters a system that is fair and safe – with the scrapping of Section 21, a new property portal that allows people to check their landlord is decent, and regulation to strengthen the rights of social tenants.  But these promises will remain words on page until they become law. Now the government needs to get the job done.”

The leader of Crisis although is positive about the reforms is slightly less than enamoured as chief executive Matt Downie, says: “This Queen’s Speech provides some hope for renters anxious about being turfed out of their home in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis and recognises the urgent need to address poor quality social housing with tenants’ voices at the heart of this reform.

“But let’s be clear, this speech gives with one hand while taking with the other.