Many constituents have contacted me about a strengthening of the Renters’ Rights Bill.

On Wednesday (9 October 2024), the House of Commons debated the Renters’ Rights Bill. I welcome this legislation which will level the playing field between landlord and tenant. It will modernise regulation of the private rented sector in a way that delivers for renters as well as for good landlords, most of whom provide good-quality homes for their tenants.

The Bill will empower renters by providing them with greater security, rights and protections so that they can stay in their homes for longer, build lives in their communities and avoid the risk of homelessness. I’m pleased that it will end section 21 “no-fault” evictions and introduce a new, modern system that removes fixed-term tenancies. In addition, tenants will only be required to provide two months’ notice to leave. This will allow both landlords and tenants the flexibility to respond to changes in their circumstances.

The legislation will empower tenants to challenge unfair rent increases that are designed to drive them out. It will prevent tenants from being bound by rent review clauses, putting them in a stronger position to challenge unreasonable rent hikes at tribunal.

I am in favour of provisions in the Bill which will introduce a new online private rented sector database, to the benefit of landlords and tenants alike. Landlords will need to provide key information about the properties they let out, such as details of property standards and compliance with the law. This will help tenants to understand more about the property and the landlord they are hoping to rent from.

Tackling the blight of poor-quality homes is a priority for the Government. For too long people have been forced to live in homes that contain damp and mould, too frightened to complain in case they are evicted and made homeless as a result. For this reason, the Bill will apply a Decent Homes Standard to the sector for the first time.

I look forward to following the progress of the Bill through the House.

Best wishes

Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland