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England: Renters (Reform) Bill—abolition of section 21/ASTs, periodic tenancies, revamped possession grounds, rent increases by section 13, PRS database and ombudsman; penalties, enforcement and practical implications

Published on: 23 June 2023

Published by a LexisNexis Property Disputes expert
Legal News
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Article summary

What are the main provisions of the Bill?

The Bill, laid before the House of Commons on 17 May 2023, contains a substantial suite of reforms. The principal measures are:

  • Abolishing section 21 notices and ending assured shorthold tenancies: Section 21 notices will be removed, so in future every claim for possession must rely on grounds under section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 (HA 1988). With HA 1988, s 21 falling away, assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) will also cease (subject to any transitional arrangements), meaning all lettings will be assured tenancies. Tenancy deposit protection, a cornerstone of the present AST framework, will remain in force; where a landlord fails to meet the deposit requirements, service of a valid section 8 notice will be barred for almost all grounds.
  • Ending fixed-term tenancies: Fixed terms will be prohibited, with all tenancies becoming periodic. Each period must be monthly, or no longer than 28 days. Tenants may bring the tenancy to an end by giving two months’ notice to quit.
  • Reform of possession grounds: Adjustments will be made to the existing possession grounds, together with...

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