Morning, Thursday, 8th May 2025
Online
This conference will focus on next steps for the private rented sector in England and implications of the Renters' Rights Bill, currently progressing through Parliament.
It is bringing stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss the direction of government policy and potential impacts of proposals in the Bill on housing standards, tenant welfare, landlords, and security, as well as the impact on supply of private sector rental properties. Delegates will examine concerns and priorities for renters, landlords, developers, and local communities in light of proposed changes.
Areas for discussion include proposed measures such as the incorporation of Awaab’s Law, which will require private landlords to fix dangerous homes within a set time period, alongside the proposed introduction of the Decent Homes Standard for private rental properties. Delegates will look at practicalities of implementation for landlords and strategies for compliance with measures, as well as the role of key stakeholders in ensuring compliance.
The conference will also be an opportunity to consider housing standards and energy efficiency, with Government recently announcing proposed reforms to minimum energy standards, including proposals to require rental units meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) grade C by 2030, subject to consultation.
There will also be a focus on priorities for the Private Renters’ Ombudsman and the impact of a proposed National Landlords Register. Sessions will look at practicalities for implementing standards set by proposed measures in the Bill, as well as the use and impact of new enforcement powers for local authorities, including larger fines for landlords who fail to resolve issues within specified timelines. Key issues for the letting industry will also be discussed, as proposed new rules are considered governing upfront deposits, discrimination, and rent increases.
Sessions will also consider challenges related to the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions, and the legal requirements for landlords to accept tenants with children or those on benefits. Attendees will also discuss how to balance enhancing tenant protections with concerns surrounding the impact of proposals on the future sustainability of the private rental market.
The conference will also explore implications of measures in the Bill for student housing, including the impact of ending fixed-term tenancies, the scope of exemptions for Purpose Built Student Accommodation, as well as best practice and necessary support for the sector going forward.
Further discussion is expected on how proposals might impact broader government objectives, including housebuilding targets. Delegates will also consider stakeholder perspectives on the necessary next steps for government, including court reforms to expedite the legal eviction process, as well as further measures to improve housing standards and address fuel poverty, housing insecurity and homelessness.
Overall areas for discussion include:
- Renters' Rights Bill:
- assessing proposed measures - Awaab’s Law and the Decent Homes Standard - the new Private Renters’ Ombudsman - proposed National Landlords Register
- impact on housing standards - tenant welfare and security improvements - implications for private rental sector sustainability - strategies for effective implementation
- Section 21 abolition: impact of ending 'no-fault' evictions - implementation challenges - options for court reform to support efficient dispute resolution
- housing standards: implementation of Awaab's Law - enforcement strategies for minimum housing standards - addressing challenges for landlords in compliance
- landlords: assessing concerns regarding effects on rental market supply - implications of increased costs and administrative burdens - options for landlord engagement and incentives
- tenants: priorities for putting in place protections - enhancing security and welfare - options for additional measures like rent controls - potential impacts on homelessness prevention
- students: assessing impacts on accommodation - exploring concerns over tenancy lengths and market viability - options for exemptions and specific provisions
- legal considerations: obligations to accept tenants with children or on benefits - addressing potential resistance from landlords - ensuring fair access to housing
- policy: alignment with housebuilding targets - impact on tackling homelessness and rough sleeping - considering long-term policy implications
- regional variation: assessing differing approaches across regions - learning from devolved administrations like Scotland - assessing local authority capabilities
- court system reforms: capacity to handle increased disputes - strategies for fair and efficient eviction processes - resource allocation for effective implementation
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include officials from DWP; DESNZ; MHCLG; ONS; GLD; Environment Agency; and the Welsh Government.
