The Renters’ Rights Bill and the Decent Homes Standard consultation are the biggest stories this month.
The Renters’ Right Bill completed the report stage in the House of Lords but will not receive Royal Assent until after the summer recess. The government has also launched a consultation for the Decent Homes Standard. As always, we’re here to give you the information you need.
The Renters’ Rights Bill completes report stage and third reading, but Royal Assent delayed until after summer recess
In the House of Lords, the Bill completed the report stage on July 15 and its third reading on July 21. It will now head back to the Commons for consideration of the amendments proposed by the Lords.
Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House of Commons, has set the initial date for consideration on September 8. This means that the Bill will not receive Royal Assent and become law until Parliament returns from its summer recess, which runs from July 22 to September 1.
The government will ideally want the Bill to become law before Parliament’s conference recess starts on September 16. These timelines are tight, and don’t leave much time for “ping pong” — what the government refers to as “the to and fro of amendments” between the Commons and the Lords — but they are achievable.
The commencement date of the Bill — in other words, when it will come into effect — is now expected to be in early 2026.
Of course, this is all subject to change, and no one can put a pin on an exact timeline. Rest assured, Revive Property Management will be keeping on top of all the incoming legislation, and we’ll be on hand to help you navigate these choppy waters.
Government launches consultation for the Decent Homes Standard
On July 2, the Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government launched a new consultation for the Decent Homes Standard (DHS). This Consultation will run for 10 weeks until 11:45 PM on September 10.
This consultation is critical for all of Revive Property Management Limited’s landlords, as for the first time, the DHS will be applied to the private rented sector. The proposals put forward by the consultation include new criteria, updated definitions of disrepair, and an explicit requirement around mould and damp.
Thankfully, landlords will have ample time to prepare, as enforcement won’t begin for at least a decade within the consultation’s proposed timelines. That being said, it’s worth thinking about how to future-proof your properties.
If you need help understanding the new legislation, we’ll be here to help. Feel free to reach out to your agent today.