Is renting too expensive in the UK? Have your say
Sweeping new renters' rights legislation is on the horizon for this year, yet there's a sentiment among some that the reforms don't quite hit the mark. The Renters' Rights Bill proposes a shake-up of the market in a direction favouring tenants, as the government pledges to outlaw section 21 "no-fault" evictions, cap initial payments, and bolster housing standard enforcement.
Have your say! What has your experience been of renting privately in the UK, or the experience of friends and family? Is it too expensive to find decent rented housing? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
The bill targets one of the leasing sector's most vociferous gripes: the dreaded no-fault eviction. Employing "section 21", landlords can dismiss occupants without a concrete lease end-date or post a fixed-term period expiry.
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Proponents of these reforms have been biding their time, as the concept was broached under the Conservative regime but experienced delays over landlord impact apprehensions.
In addition to dispelling no-fault evictions, the forthcoming measure aims to demystify and secure the renting process, including restricting advance rent deposits to one month and enhancing tenant support against perceived unjust rent hikes.
Some campaigners have called for rent control, which would assign an authority the power to limit rent prices or restrain them from outpacing benchmarks like inflation or wage increases. However, Labour has dismissed these suggestions, concerned that such measures might hinder housing supply and deter investment, potentially making rentals even harder to come by.
Tom Darling, director of the Renters' Reform Coalition, spoke to the Mirror about the significance of the proposed changes but argued they should also incorporate measures to cap rental costs.
He explained: "If you're right on the breadline and your budget has already been massively squeezed by the cost of living, a huge rent increase will act as a sort of de facto eviction notice for you."
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government weighed in, stating: "Our Renters' Rights Bill will strengthen tenants' rights by banning section 21 'no fault' evictions and while we do not have plans to introduce rent controls, we are taking action to cap rent payable at the start of a tenancy to one month, end unfair bidding wars, and give tenants stronger powers to challenge excessive rent hikes. This is alongside boosting supply by building 1.5 million homes as part of our Plan for Change."
Have your say! What has your experience been of renting privately in the UK, or the experience of friends and family? Is it too expensive to find decent rented housing? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.