Private Rented Sector 2026-02-23

2026-02-23

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Context
The Renters' Rights Act was passed to address issues in the private rented sector, and there is a need for urgent action on safety and standards.
What steps he is taking to help improve the private rented sector for tenants. The Minister knows that the Renters' Rights Act will be transformative, especially for my constituents, but will he reassure me that the Government recognise the urgent need to improve safety and standards in the private rented sector, and will he act to drive down rates of non-decency?
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October last year. As per the road map we published in November, we intend to implement the new tenancy system it provides for on 1 May, at which point, among other things, section 21 no-fault evictions will be abolished, rental bidding wars will be prohibited, and the practice of landlords demanding large amounts of rent in advance from tenants will be banned. I can provide my hon. Friend with the assurance that he seeks. Whether in the PRS or in the social rented sector, landlords should address non-decency wherever it exists. We are giving landlords until 2035 to implement our new decent homes standard, but we have made it clear that they should not wait until then to improve their properties. We are acting in other ways to ensure that private tenants have safe, warm and decent homes, including by introducing new minimum energy efficiency standards for the sector, strengthening local authority enforcement in respect of unremediated hazards, and applying Awaab's law to the PRS through the relevant provisions in the Act.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Context
The Renters' Rights Act was passed to address issues in the private rented sector, and there is a need for urgent action on safety and standards.
The Minister knows that the Renters' Rights Act will be transformative, especially for my constituents, but will he reassure me that the Government recognise the urgent need to improve safety and standards in the private rented sector, and will he act to drive down rates of non-decency?
I can provide my hon. Friend with the assurance that he seeks. Whether in the PRS or in the social rented sector, landlords should address non-decency wherever it exists. We are giving landlords until 2035 to implement our new decent homes standard, but we have made it clear that they should not wait until then to improve their properties. We are acting in other ways to ensure that private tenants have safe, warm and decent homes, including by introducing new minimum energy efficiency standards for the sector, strengthening local authority enforcement in respect of unremediated hazards, and applying Awaab's law to the PRS through the relevant provisions in the Act.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Jim Shannon DUP
Strangford
Context
The private rental sector in Northern Ireland has a slightly different system compared to the rest of the UK, but similar problems exist.
Has he had the opportunity to speak to the relevant Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly, to ensure that we in Northern Ireland have the same protections that he is proposing for here?
I can provide the hon. Member with that assurance. I met my counterpart in Northern Ireland some time ago, and this prompts me to check with my private office and ensure that another meeting is scheduled for the near future.
Assessment & feedback
The specific protections proposed are not detailed.
Response accuracy