The 2024 Renters Reform Bill: A Win for Tenants in Runnymede
As housing affordability and tenant rights continue to be major concerns across the UK, the 2024 Renters Reform Bill is set to bring transformative changes to the private rental sector.
We made the measures in this bill a significant part of our Manifesto pledge for Fair Housing.
This legislation has the potential to significantly benefit renters in Runnymede, where rising rents and insecure tenancies have long been issues of concern. The Runnymede Liberal Democrats welcome these reforms as a step toward creating a fairer and more secure rental market for all residents.
Ending Section 21 "No-Fault" Evictions
One of the most anticipated aspects of the bill is the abolition of Section 21 evictions, which currently allow landlords to remove tenants without needing to provide a reason. This change will give tenants in Runnymede greater security and stability, making it easier for families and individuals to build long-term lives in the area. By ending these "no-fault" evictions, the government aims to reduce housing insecurity—a major concern for many of the 11 million renters in England.
Curbing Rent Increases and Bidding Wars
The bill also introduces measures to limit rent increases, ensuring landlords can only raise rents once a year with proper notice. In a community like Runnymede, where rental prices have surged in recent years, this will offer welcome relief to tenants. The legislation also aims to stop rental bidding wars, preventing landlords from exploiting the housing crisis by pitting renters against one another.
Ensuring Decent Homes for All
For too long, tenants across the UK—and particularly in Runnymede—have been forced to live in substandard housing due to the lack of legal enforcement. The Decent Homes Standard will now apply to private rentals, ensuring homes are free from serious hazards and are warm, safe, and habitable. Local authorities, including Runnymede Borough Council, will have stronger enforcement powers to crack down on rogue landlords, helping improve living conditions for tenants across the district.
Supporting Vulnerable Renters
The Runnymede Liberal Democrats are especially pleased to see that the bill will outlaw blanket bans on renting to families with children or those receiving benefits. Discrimination in the rental market is a significant issue, and these changes will help ensure that vulnerable renters in Runnymede have equal access to housing, making it easier for everyone to find a home.
Pet-Friendly Tenancies
Another tenant-friendly provision in the bill allows renters to request permission for pets, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. In an area like Runnymede, where many families and individuals value having pets, this is a significant step forward. Landlords will be allowed to request pet insurance to cover potential damages, ensuring a balanced approach for both renters and property owners.
A Fairer, Safer Private Rental Sector
Local New Haw councillor Mike Smith explains: “For the Runnymede Liberal Democrats, this bill represents a crucial step towards rebalancing the power between tenants and landlords. By providing renters with more security and ensuring that landlords meet basic housing standards, the 2024 Renters Reform Bill will make a real difference to the lives of residents across our community.
“As we look to the future, the Liberal Democrats will continue to champion the rights of tenants in Runnymede and beyond, advocating for fair and accessible housing for all.”
If you'd like to learn more about our Fair Deal approach to all aspects of politics, you can read more in our 2024 Manifesto.
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