With a general election due to take place on 4 July 2024, parties will soon be publishing their manifestos, which will state key policy pledges, including those relating to housing. In the meantime, TDS explores what we already know about the parties’ positions on the private rented sector.
Will the Conservative Party continue in its plan to reform the sector?
The Conservatives have committed to reforming the private rented sector throughout its time in Government, leading to the introduction of the now dropped Renters (Reform) Bill.
The proposed reforms included abolishing ‘no fault’ evictions and ending fixed-term tenancies, amongst other significant changes, including the introduction of a national register of landlords (the ‘property portal’). However, the Government’s decision to delay the end of ‘no fault’ evictions, pending a review of the courts, drew criticism from campaign groups.
Although there was a proposal to increase energy efficiency requirements for housing, the party U-turned on this due to concerns around the costs that this would incur for landlords, and the risk of increased rents for tenants amid a high cost of living.
What private rental policies might be expected from the Conservatives should be outlined in their upcoming manifesto. One thing we do know is that the party has expressed opposition to rent controls.
Will Labour end ‘no fault’ evictions?
Labour has expressed its support for reforming the private rented sector but criticized the Government for not going far enough. One of its main criticisms was the Government’s proposed delay to removing ‘no fault’ evictions. The party has stated that it would remove this right ‘immediately’ if it wins the election. In addition, the party has called for a national register of landlords.
Labour has also proposed a ‘national Warm Homes Plan’ that would reintroduce an increase in energy efficiency standards for housing.
Whilst a recent Labour-commissioned report called for certain rent limitations, Labour has stated that it does not intend to introduce rent controls.
The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party
The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party both support the abolition of ‘no fault’ evictions. They also believe that energy efficiency standards for homes should be increased, and both parties support a national register for landlords.
Diverging from the Conservatives and Labour, the Green Party have called for a freeze on rent rises. The Liberal Democrats have also hinted at limitations to rent increases by ‘ensuring that rent can only increase by a fair amount each year’.
