The King’s Speech 2024: Housing Policies Overview

On July 17, 2024, King Charles III delivered the King's Speech to both Houses of Parliament, setting out the new Labour government's legislative agenda. For landlords and letting agents in England, the speech contained several significant announcements that will impact the housing sector. This article breaks down the critical housing policies and what they mean for you.

Renters' Rights Bill: Strengthening Tenant Protections

The Renters' Rights Bill is one of the most significant pieces of legislation announced in the King's Speech. This bill aims to transform the private rental market by enhancing tenant protections and increasing security. Key components include:

Abolition of Section 21 'No-Fault' Evictions: The government plans to remove Section 21, which allows landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason. This change is expected to offer tenants greater stability and reduce arbitrary evictions.

New Possession Grounds: To balance the abolition of Section 21, the bill will introduce clear and expanded possession grounds, allowing landlords to reclaim properties when necessary, such as for selling or moving back in.

Controls on Rent Increases: Tenants will be empowered to challenge rent increases intended to force them out indirectly. New laws will also aim to end rental bidding wars, creating a fairer market for tenants and landlords.

Decent Homes Standard: The bill will apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector, ensuring that rental properties are safe, secure, and free from hazards. This move may require landlords to invest in property maintenance and upgrades to meet the required standards.

Awaab's Law Extension: Named after a tragic case highlighting poor housing conditions, this law sets strict timeframes for landlords to address serious hazards. It will also apply to private landlords, necessitating prompt action on repairs and safety issues.

Digital PRS Database: A new digital database will compile critical information for landlords, tenants, and councils. This platform aims to enhance transparency, help tenants make informed choices and allow landlords to demonstrate compliance more efficiently.

Ombudsman Service: A new ombudsman service will offer quicker, cheaper dispute resolution, reducing the need for costly court proceedings. This service will be binding for both landlords and tenants, promoting fair and impartial outcomes.

Anti-Discrimination Measures: The bill will make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants receiving benefits or those with children, ensuring equal access to housing for all.

Enhanced Enforcement Powers for Councils: Local councils will receive new investigatory powers to identify and penalise unscrupulous landlords, aiming to drive bad actors out of the sector.

Leasehold and Commonhold Reform: Ending the Feudal System

The Labour government has committed to significant reforms in leasehold and commonhold law. The King's Speech outlined plans to introduce a Draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill to modernise these archaic systems. Key points include:

Bolstering Leaseholders' Rights: The government will enact remaining Law Commission recommendations to strengthen leaseholders' rights, including easier lease extension processes and buying freeholds.

Reinvigorating Commonhold: Efforts will be made to modernise the commonhold framework, providing a viable alternative to leasehold ownership. This includes restricting the sale of new leasehold flats and promoting absolute homeownership.

Regulating Existing Ground Rents: New regulations will cap and control ground rents for existing leaseholders, preventing unregulated and unaffordable costs.

Ending 'Fleecehold' Practices: The government will address the issue of unfair costs in private estates, commonly known as 'fleecehold,' ensuring protections for homeowners.

Abolishing Forfeiture: The practice of forfeiture, where leaseholders can lose their homes over small unpaid debts, will be ended, providing greater security for leaseholders.

Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Accelerating Housing Delivery

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to address the housing shortage by speeding up the delivery of new homes. This bill will introduce planning reforms to streamline the process and promote high-quality infrastructure and housing construction. For landlords and letting agents, this could mean:

Increased Housing Supply: More homes being built at a faster rate, potentially stabilising rental markets and providing more options for tenants.

Improved Infrastructure: Enhanced infrastructure around new developments, improving rental properties' overall appeal and value.

The Impact on Landlords and Letting Agents

These legislative changes represent a significant shift in housing policy, focusing clearly on tenant protections and housing quality. Landlords and letting agents will need to adapt to the new regulations and ensure compliance to avoid penalties and continue providing high-quality housing.

Conclusion

The King's Speech 2024 has set the stage for a transformative period in the housing sector. By understanding and preparing for these changes, landlords and letting agents can navigate the new landscape effectively, ensuring continued success and compliance in their operations.