Abolishment of the 'no fault' Notice announced

The Queen’s Speech delivered by Prince Charles yesterday confirmed that the Government will be pushing ahead with the Renters Reform Bill. Lettings Partner Lucy Nolan has reviewed the announcement.

The Queen’s Speech delivered by Prince Charles yesterday confirmed that the Government will be pushing ahead with the Renters Reform Bill, as predicted by Head of Lettings, Rachael James in the current edition of our Country Matters magazine.

Lettings Partner Lucy Nolan has analysed the announcement , finding the lack of detail within the statement still leaving many questions unanswered, however the intent to proceed with the Bill is evident.

The main objective is to give tenants greater rights when they are required to vacate a property, even when they have complied with the terms of their tenancy agreement. Here is a brief summary of the proposals outlined:-

• Section 21 Form 6A is to be abolished
• Additional specific grounds are to be introduced to enable a landlord to regain possession if the tenant is in breach i.e. serious rent arrears or anti-social behaviour. This will ensure landlords can regain their property efficiently when needed. We are expecting that if a landlord wishes to sell their property or move into their home, a ground will be introduced to enable them to do so.
• A new Ombudsman scheme to be introduced, enabling landlords and tenants to resolve disputes without the need to go to court.
• A legally binding ‘Decent Homes Standard’ in the Private Rented Sector will be introduced for the first time ever, ensuring that tenants have safer, better quality and better value homes
• A new property portal for landlords will be introduced.  This will be a useful resource of information and obligations.

A White Paper is due for publication shortly which should provide further detail on the proposals to reform the private rental sector, and put an end to a prolonged period of uncertainty for landlords, tenants and agents alike.

Symonds & Sampson welcome the changes, believing that they will encourage greater levels of transparency and accountability between all parties. Lucy comments ‘In our experience, most landlords do not wish to give tenants notice unless they are in rent arrears or not taking care of the property.  When landlords wish to let a property for a longer term, we strive to find tenants who are also looking for a long term home, something we have successfully achieved numerous times over the years’.

Symonds & Sampson will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates to landlords when more information is published. Meanwhile, to discuss any aspects of letting property contact Lucy on 01305 571277 or a member of our letting team in your local office.