Policy paper

A fairer private rented sector

This white paper sets out our plans to fundamentally reform the private rented sector and level up housing quality in this country.

Applies to England

Documents

A fairer private rented sector

A fairer private rented sector (web accessible)

A fairer private rented sector (print PDF)

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Details

The ‘A fairer private rented sector’ white paper sets out the government’s long-term vision for a private rented sector (PRS) that is fit for the 21st century and delivers a better deal for tenants. This includes plans to:

  • abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and introduce a simpler tenancy structure
  • apply the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS for the first time
  • introduce a new Property Portal to help landlords understand their obligations
  • introduce a housing ombudsman covering all PRS landlords and providing redress for tenants

Alongside this white paper we will also be publishing 6 other documents including:

  • the government response to ‘Considering the case for a Housing Court’ call for evidence which sets out why we don’t think we need a separate housing court and how we will be improving the possession process
  • the government response to ‘A new deal for renting’ consultation which covers the removal of section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 and improving landlord possession grounds
  • the government response to the ‘Tenancy deposit reform’ call for evidence which sets out support for the Tenancy Deposit Working Group’s consideration on deposit system improvement
  • Local authority enforcement in the private rented sector: headline report which explores local authority enforcement in the private rented sector
  • Property guardian: headline report is a study that explores property guardianship in the private rented sector
  • A segmentation analysis of private renters is a research report that groups privately rented households based on economic and family circumstances that impact their ability to access high-quality housing
Published 16 June 2022
Last updated 2 August 2022 + show all updates
  1. Added easy read version of the white paper "A fairer private rented sector".

  2. First published.