The Renters’ Rights Bill returned to Parliament for debate last week and included some changes.
Cap on advance rent payments
A new rule is proposed that will cap advance rent payments at one month’s rent. Currently, there is no limit on the upfront rent a landlord can ask for. There are concerns that this is being used to exploit potential tenants and particularly disadvantages renters on lower incomes.
Landlords will still be able to take a security deposit of up to 5 or 6 weeks’ rent alongside a one month’s rent in advance.
Safeguards for bereavement
Another proposed change will mean that bereaved guarantors will no longer be forced to pay rent for the rest of the tenancy when a loved one has died. This will make it easier to end a tenancy agreement in unforeseen and tragic circumstances.
Reducing early commitments
It has been identified that students can feel pressured to sign a lease many months in advance. It is therefore being proposed that students cannot be locked into an agreement more than six months in advance of moving into a property.
Further changes proposed include closing potential loopholes in respect of rent repayment orders, and using fees paid by landlords to directly fund the creation and work of a private rented sector Ombudsman.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-law-to-protect-renters-one-step-closer-to-becoming-a-reality
.jpg)
.jpg)
