MEZIESBLOG

There was a lot of talk this week about changes to the UK rental sector. 

Huge reforms to renters’ rights took effect today, and rumours were rife that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could impose a rent freeze – rumours that have since been quashed by the government.

Readers from both sides of the debate, who rent and own property, were impassioned in their opinions on the matter in our comments.

They include people who were evicted before the new rules took effect, which have now banned “no-fault” evictions.

I was given three months notice to move out of my home I’ve lived in for 30 years, it absolutely broke me at the time but last day is tomorrow [Thursday]! Greedy landlords wanting more rent for their properties.

Kim

Our landlord served us our Section 21 yesterday after ignoring our complaints about black mould and inhabitable conditions for five years.

The government need to step in and recognise this for what it is. Families are being displaced so vampiric, parasitic landlords can avoid consequences

Jamie

Bring back fair rents officers with no link to landlords. 

[My parents] both at 78 years were evicted twice by rogue landlords.

How have those landlords who evicted us [been] allowed to put in new tenants up to a third or more?

The lie was that they wanted it for a relative, typical. 

No check was made on these rogue landlords. The state of disrepair ignored until record to the court was made. Freeze rents!

A disabled renter, no fault eviction twice

Other readers, some of whom say they are landlords themselves, said the range of measures covered by the government’s new law was “ridiculous”.

They include one rent increase per year, a two-month notice period for all contracts, and giving tenants the right to request a reason why a landlord won’t allow them to keep a pet.

I will be selling my buy-to-lets as the restrictions are ridiculous and, talking to others, most are thinking the same way. We aren’t all the big bad landlords.

Mary 

Do you have to accept dogs when they are in close proximity to, for example, a young family where a yapping dog can make their life hell?

John 

Tenants in the UK already have huge, unfair powers and leverage compared to landlords. 

Tenants are not leaving even with an S21 notice [no-fault eviction] as legal action costs thousands and takes a year. 

Post RRA [Renters Rights Act] it gets worse, plus making tax digital. Landlords now selling up reducing supply. Crazy.

David N

What is the incentive for landlords to continue being landlords when from 1 May they will incur greater costs, mortgage increases and extra insurance?

Fifi A

Do you have a view or story to share? Use the comments form at the top of the page – and include your details if you’d like us to get in touch.