If you have been following Greenhalgh Kerr’s recent articles on the Renters’ Reform Bill, you will know that amongst its proposals includes the abolishment of the section 21 possession procedure and so-called ‘no-fault evictions’. It has been described as a ‘a shift in the power balance between landlords and tenants’ and, understandably, both landlords and tenants alike await its progress with baited breath.

Talks of the proposed Bill started in 2019. Now some four years, four Prime Ministers, a new monarch and a pandemic later, the Bill is seemingly no closer to receiving Royal Assent.

The Bill was introduced to the House of Commons in May 2023 and now awaits its second reading before debate. Only after a third reading is it expected that the Bill (in any amended and/or finalised form) will be approved, at which point, it will be passed to the House of Lords to undergo a similar process. Only then will the Bill be put forward for Royal Assent. 

Whilst such delays maintain the status quo, such uncertainty is never welcomed and is causing serious unrest within the industry. With a general election looming in 2024, should further delays be anticipated? The government has not admitted that there has been any delay and that it remains committed to the Bill. That said, anecdotal undercurrent suggests a strong political opposition within the Tory party.

Greenhalgh Kerr will continue to monitor progress (or lack thereof) and ensure that our housing clients are kept up to date with any developments. As always, watch this space!