Renter's Rights Bill to be debated in Parliament

The Renters’ Rights Bill will return to Parliament today (9 October) and will be debated for the first time by MPs.

A section 21 notice, also known as a 'no fault' eviction, starts the legal process to end an assured shorthold tenancy (AST).

A landlord or agent can give a tenant a section 21 during either a rolling periodic tenancy, or a fixed term contract if there's a break clause.

The Bill will ban ‘no fault’ evictions across new and existing tenancies at the same time, which the government said will immediately tackling one of the leading causes of homelessness.       

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner said: "I am determined to get this Bill in to law as soon as possible. The thousands of children and families living in unsafe housing or under the cruel threat of a Section 21 eviction notice have been waiting far too long already.

"We will deliver on our promise to renters and transform the sector into one where families can put down roots, where children can grow up in healthy homes, and where young people can save for their future."

The Bill is hoped to make sure tenants are in a stronger position to challenge unreasonable rent increases supported by a Tribunal and landlords will only be allowed to raise the rent once a year and only to the market rate, which will put an end unfair hikes. 

As well as this, local councils will be given stronger powers to crack down on unscrupulous landlords and maximum fines will be increased to up to £40,000 for serious offenders.