Words by Blyth Brentnall
Legislation to offer 11 million renters well-needed protections.
In long-awaited legal protections for renters in England, landlords will be forbidden from evicting tenants without any justification.
Hooray! Tell me more.
New laws will be tabled in Parliament to protect renters against unfair evictions. They will allow renters to keep pets and will prevent landlords from rejecting applications from people on benefits.
Matt Downie, the chief executive of housing charity Crisis, said: “After years of waiting, the publication of the Renters Reform Bill is an important moment for the millions of people currently renting their home across England who are in desperate need of some stability.”
What else will this change?
The Renters Reform Bill will be pivotal for renters, ending Section 21 evictions - the legislation which permits landlords to evict without giving a reason.
After passing through Parliament, the legislation will also make it illegal for landlords to reject tenancy requests from families with children or people on benefits.
It will contain clauses to ensure tenants can request to keep a pet in their home, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.
“Over the coming months, we look forward to working with the Government as the Bill progresses,” added Matt. “Now is the time to finally put an end to unnecessary evictions that force people into homelessness and ensure that everyone has a safe, secure place to call home.”
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Crisis. The UK’s national charity aiming to end homelessness. Find out more here.
Shelter. A housing and homeless charity supporting over a million people each year. Support them here.
St Mungo’s. One of the only organisations with volunteers working nightly to support rough sleepers. Find out more and support them here.
