The Prime Minister has confirmed that the Renters Reform Bill will be carried over to the next Parliament, as part of this week’s King’s Speech.

Rishi Sunak says the legislation will deliver a “fairer and higher quality private rented sector for both tenants and landlords…helping ensure people live in decent, safe and secure homes”.

He adds: “This will be the first King’s Speech in 70 years and the legislation we will bring forward is part of our plan to build a better future for the next 70.

"To make the real change this country needs, we will bring forward bills that strengthen our society, help people feel safer in their own communities and give a sense of pride in the place they call home.”

Second reading

The Bill had its second reading last month and heralds a huge shake-up of the sector after it was first announced in 2019 and introduced in May. There had been fears that it would not reach the statue books but is due to get Royal Assent early next year, bar a General Election.

The government confirmed recently that it will not bring in its controversial ban on Section 21 evictions until problems with the courts have been fixed.

Many experts have pointed out that delays of up to six months to gain a possession order via the courts, and problems with a lack of bailiffs, mean some landlords are waiting for a year to regain possession.

Last week, the Justice Committee launched an inquiry into the work of county courts amid long-standing concerns over court capacity and resources. It will consider topics including the use of technology and how it could be used to improve court services.