Renters Reform Bill FAQs

The Renters Reform Bill has been a much talked about topic in recent months. The media reporting mixed information causing scaremongering and confusion over the Bill’s content. It is still likely the Bill will be pushed forward prior to the election next year. Many landlords and tenants are asking for clarity and guidance so here are a few of the most frequent FAQs.

‘Will I still be able to gain possession to sell my Property?’

The simple answer is Yes. Landlords will be able to serve notice for possession for the following three main reasons: –

1, To sell the Property

2, To move back into the Property / a family member needs to move into the Property.

3, Major renovations to the Property are required.

Are there any other reasons that would mean I can gain possession?

Yes – the Government is discussing adding a clearer mandatory ground for possession which can be issued if the Tenants are found to be displaying Anti-Social Behaviour. This currently a discretionary ground (no definite means for possession it would be whatever the Judge decides on the hearing day).

You can also give notice via Ground 8 should your Tenant fall into 2 months of rent arrears or has repeated serious rent arrears with the last 3 years.  

Do I still need to make improvements to get my property to the required EPC rating?

The Government has delayed the requirement for the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to be rated a ‘C’ or higher by 2025. Therefore, you can continue to rent your property at an ‘E’ or above, and there is no current timeframe as to when this will be reviewed again.

Our previous blogs on the Bill cover the third hearing, topics such a possession and rent increases in more depth. The Bill is set to proceed to the Public Bill Committee on Tuesday 5th December 2023, receiving consideration and its third hearing that same day. The third hearing concludes the Bill’s passage through the House of Commons. It will then make its way through the House of Lords (first and second readings, the Committee & report stages then a final third reading)  before moving to the final stages of ‘Consideration of Amendments’ and Royal Assent.

If you are a landlord or tenant with questions you can contact me at rachel.norris@alexandre-boyes.co.uk 01892 525522. As always Alexandre Boyes will bring any developments as they happen. Sign up to our newsletter to make sure you do not miss our blogs.

As with all Alexandre Boyes blogs, these are intended to be a general overview of topical issues and should not be relied upon for formal purposes. Posted 14/11/2023