LGA call for Government to conduct “realistic assessment” of resources councils need to regulate private rented sector

Local authorities have warned that councils will need more funding to enforce the ban on no-fault evictions in England effectively, despite welcoming the Renters Reform Bill which will help deliver a “fairer, higher quality” private rented sector.

The Renters Reform Bill, introduced to Parliament on 17 May 2023, would abolish section 21 no fault evictions, with councils responsible for enforcement.

The Renters (Reform) Bill will end fixed-term tenancies and move to periodic tenancies, which do not have an end date. Tenants will be able to stay in their home until they decide to end the tenancy by giving two months’ notice, or the landlord can evidence a “valid ground for possession”, revealed the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Under the Bill, landlords would only be able to evict tenants in England under certain circumstances, including when they wish to sell the property or when they or a close family member want to move in.

Whilst welcoming the Renters Reform Bill, the Local Government Association have shared concerns over the “significant” new regulatory and enforcement responsibilities on Councils, noting that many are struggling to resource their enforcement teams.

The LGA have called on the Government to conduct a “realistic assessment of the resources councils need to regulate the PRS effectively”.

Under the Bill, councils will get stronger enforcement powers but must report on enforcement activity to help target criminal landlords.

There will also be a new Ombudsman created for the private rental sector, who is expected to be able to provide quicker and cheaper resolutions to disputes.

A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: “We are pleased at the long-awaited Renters (Reform) Bill, which will help to deliver a fairer, more secure and higher quality private rented sector (PRS).

“However, there are concerns that the bill places significant new regulatory and enforcement responsibilities on councils. Many councils are already struggling to resource their enforcement teams to undertake the scale of proactive work that is needed in the PRS due to reductions in local government funding and wider financial pressures.

“We urge government to conduct a realistic assessment of the resources councils need to regulate the PRS effectively, and provide them with adequate new burdens funding accordingly.”

Lottie Winson