Landlords Face Ban on Discrimination Against Benefit Recipients and Families
Landlords in England and Wales will soon be prohibited from refusing to rent properties to individuals on benefits or families with children, according to proposed amendments to the Renters (Reform) Bill tabled by the government on Wednesday. The aim of these amendments is to prevent discrimination against families and protect vulnerable individuals. However, landlords will still be able to conduct reference checks to ensure rent affordability and retain the final say in selecting tenants.
The proposed measures, which are expected to extend to Scotland as well, seek to establish a decent homes standard within the private rented sector for the first time. This standard would outline the expectations tenants can have regarding their homes, ensuring they are safe, warm, and of satisfactory quality. To achieve the government’s target of reducing poor standards by 50% by 2030, consultations will be held to define the quality requirements for rented homes.
Local authorities will also be granted enhanced enforcement powers to compel landlords to bring their properties up to standard. In cases of severe non-compliance, fines of up to £30,000 and banning orders can be applied. Additionally, the period during which tenants can claim compensation for living in substandard conditions will be extended from 12 to 24 months.
The government aims to support councils in their efforts to investigate landlords who rent out inadequate homes, enabling them to identify and take appropriate action against those operating outside the law. The ultimate objective is to eliminate criminal activity from the sector and ensure better living conditions for all tenants.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove expressed his confidence that these measures would greatly reduce the number of people currently living in unacceptable conditions. He emphasized the government’s commitment to improving housing standards across the entire private rented sector and ending the unfair discrimination faced by vulnerable individuals and families in their search for a home.
These amendments to the Renters (Reform) Bill will now move to the committee stage in the House of Commons. The bill, heralded as a once-in-a-generation change to housing laws, encompasses various other provisions, including a ban on no-fault evictions and the establishment of an ombudsman to expedite the resolution of disputes between tenants and landlords.
While there have been concerns about the lack of urgency in abolishing no-fault evictions, the government clarified that this move would only happen once reforms to the justice system had been implemented. Moreover, the proposed changes would strengthen the grounds on which landlords can reclaim their properties, making it easier for them to do so in cases where tenants engage in anti-social behavior or consistently fall behind on rent.
In a recent reshuffle, Conservative MP Rachel Maclean was replaced by Lee Rowley as housing minister, marking the 16th change in this position since 2010. Offering a new perspective on housing matters, Rowley’s appointment signals the government’s continued dedication to addressing housing issues in the country.
The Renters (Reform) Bill intends to transform the rental landscape in the UK, delivering better standards, fair treatment, and increased protection for tenants. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it aims to establish a regulatory framework that benefits both tenants and landlords alike, ensuring a thriving and equitable housing sector in the years to come.
