November 2023
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This conference looked at next steps for the private rented sector in England.
It brought policymakers together with key stakeholders to discuss key issues for the sector, including the Renters (Reform) Bill which was, at the time, progressing through Parliament and was included in the King’s Speech, which aims to deliver on proposals outlined in the fairer private rented sector white paper published by DLUHC in 2022.
With proposals in the Bill to abolish fixed-term assured tenancies and assured leasehold tenancies, and introducing new obligations for landlords, delegates considered the likely impact on the private rented sector market, renters, charities and advocacy groups, landlords and developers, and local councils and communities.
Further sessions looked at progress in working with landlords to speed up the adoption of the Decent Homes Standard, as well as proposals for a new Private Rental Sector Ombudsman, with discussion on approaches to improving standards and plans to increase investigative powers following government pilot studies in a selection of local councils.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Rebecca Marsh, Ombudsman and Chief Executive, The Property Ombudsman; Chris Norris, Policy Director, National Residential Landlords Association; and Ben Twomey, Chief Executive, Generation Rent.
Overall, key areas for discussion included:
- no fault evictions and the future of Section 21: the impact of the recent decision to delay proposals in the Bill which aim to protect renters by scrapping no fault evictions - landlord concerns over property recovery
- sector supply: measures to reduce the number of landlords leaving the sector following concerns surrounding provisions in the Bill - encouraging investors to enter the sector
- affordability: alleviating market pressures, including rising mortgage costs which result in increasing demand for renting and an increase in short-term lets - improving sector financial security
- Private Rental Sector Ombudsman: examining the role of a new proposed Ombudsman within the system - the potential impact on the rental market, sector practices and outcomes for renters
- homelessness: the role of the sector in tackling financial hardship and homelessness - impact on temporary accommodation for the homeless - assessing availability of affordable housing
- student housing: implications for supply of off-campus, multi-occupancy and privately rented homes - whether the sector should be exempt from the proposed abolition of fixed-term assured tenancies
- renter wellbeing and safeguarding: approaches under the Bill and priorities for further legislation, such as Awaab’s Law - monitoring and enforcement - addressing health concerns and renting costs
- engagement: ensuring stakeholders are provided with clear guidance on rights and responsibilities in areas such as eviction, rent and housing standards
- enforcing standards: assessing approaches to improving standards, and plans to increase investigative powers following government pilot studies
- accountability: options for cross-organisational structures and regulatory frameworks to support creation of a fairer system
- legal proceedings: priorities for improving the efficiency and accessibility of justice proceedings for stakeholders
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DESNZ; DLUHC; GLD; Home Office; and the Welsh Government.
