In the 2019 Queen’s Speech, the Government announced that it would be introducing a renter’s reform bill. The legislation would introduce several reforms to “deliver a fairer and more effective rental market”.

On 16^th June 2022, the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper was published which set out the government’s commitment to reform of the private rented sector through the Renters Reform Bill.

This would include four main reforms:

• Introducing the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS for the first time ever, meaning that all rented homes must be free of serious hazards and repairs must be made to ensure properties are in a reasonable condition. This goes beyond the current standards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System presently used by local authorities.
• A new private rented property portal where all landlords will be required to register, and which will bring together information about properties in one place. The portal will help landlords understand their rights and responsibilities, support effective enforcement by local authorities and empower prospective tenants to make informed choices about renting.
• Abolishing Section 21 evictions. Possession grounds for landlords will be reformed, introducing new and stronger grounds for repeated incidents of rent arrears and reducing notice periods for anti-social behaviour, ensuring that they can regain their property efficiently when needed.
• A new PRS Ombudsman covering all PRS landlords who rent out property in England, giving private rented sector tenants full access to redress. 

A Fairer Private Rented Sector: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-fairer-private-rented-sector