From next month, rental tenants will have more protections from negligent property owners. Now local authorities have more resources to enforce expanded rules.
Coming into effect on 1st May, the Renters’ Rights Act strengthens and expands the duties of councils to bring ‘bad landlords’ to justice. The updated regulations bring an end to Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, fixed-term tenancies (which will be fully replaced by periodic rolling contracts), and so-called ‘rental bidding wars’ will also be banned.
Landlords found to be in breach of these updated rules could face up to £40,000 in fines. However, enforcement relies on effective reporting and local powers having enough resources to actually act on tip-offs, at a time when local authorities are notoriously stretched and understaffed.
Now the UK Government has confirmed that all 317 councils will have access to a shared £60 million fund which can be used to take action against guilty parties. This incudes £18.2 million allocated last autumn, meaning most of the money was freshly allocated, significantly increasing the likelihood that the aims of the Act will be successfully achieved.
‘The Renters’ Rights Act is historic, and our courts and tribunals must stand ready to deliver justice,’ said Courts Minister Sarah Sackman KC. ‘That’s why we’re investing millions to modernise and digitise court processes. Access to justice is crucial, so we’re also keeping court fees low and providing free legal aid advice to those who need it most.’
‘Rogue landlords have no place in the private rented sector and every effort should be made by local authorities to drive them from the market,’ added Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association. ‘This announcement demonstrates that the government is serious about tackling those who bring the sector into disrepute and supporting those responsible landlords who provide decent and secure homes for renters.’
Image: Ben Allan / Unsplash
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