‘Transformative’ new rights for renters become law.
A landmark package of new rights for renters introduced by the Labour Government became law last week, helping 11 million renters across the country and tens of thousands here in Milton Keynes.
At the heart of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which achieved Royal Assent on Monday 27th October is the move to abolish Section 21 evictions. These ‘no fault’ evictions have pushed thousands of people across the country into homelessness, and have prevented renters challenging unfit conditions or unfair rent increases.
Other moves brought forward by the Act include an end to bidding wars by making it illegal to encourage, request or accept offers above the set price, a removal of the ability to ask for more than one month’s rent upfront, and a requirement for landlords to give at least four months notice when ending a tenancy to sell.
Emily Darlington, MP for Milton Keynes Central said, “The rise in homelessness under the previous Conservative Government is a national scandal that Labour is working hard to fix. The Renters’ Rights Act is finally banning no-fault evictions, putting a stop to the injustice of families in our city finding themselves without a home unexpectedly.”
Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North added, “Every part of these comprehensive reforms will be transformative for people renting in our city. Something like being able to request a pet by law and have that request considered may seem small on paper, but in reality is the difference between whether or not you have to give up a beloved part of your own family.”
Callum Anderson, MP for the Buckingham and Bletchley constituency said, “After years of Tory failure, this Labour Government is finally delivering for renters across Bletchley and Milton Keynes. We’re shifting the balance so tenants can call out poor conditions and unfair rent hikes without fearing eviction. A secure home means stability, dignity and the chance to build a better life – and no child in our city should ever grow up without that foundation.”
Cllr Ed Hume, Cabinet Member for Housing on Milton Keynes City Council concluded, “Under the previous Conservative Government, the number of people in temporary accommodation more than doubled, leaving hundreds more families in Milton Keynes homeless. We’ve worked hard as a Labour Council to improve private renting in the city, as well as supporting those in temporary accommodation, but the system has needed serious change for a long time. The Labour Government is delivering that change.”
