King’s Speech: Private sector ombudsman to be introduced as part of Renters’ Rights Bill

There is currently no legal requirement for private landlords in England to belong to an ombudsman scheme, with tenants often left to negotiate with their landlords and enforce their rights through the courts.

The Conservative government also had plans to introduce an ombudsman service to the private sector as part of its Renters’ Reform Bill. It planned to use the current Housing Ombudsman “to administer redress for both private and social tenants”. 

Details of exactly how the scheme will work have not yet been published. 

Alongside a new ombudsman service, the new bill will ban Section 21 no-fault evictions and extend Awaab’s Law to the private sector.

The bill will also introduce “new, clear and expanded possession grounds” to allow landlords to reclaim property when necessary.

Responding to the announcement of the bill, Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, said: “It is welcome to see the end to no-fault evictions included in the government’s plans. 

“After five years of promises from the previous government, with no improvements at the end of it, renters are understandably demoralised and wary of new commitments. 

“The government faces a big test to reassure voters that it can quickly turn promises into action and change things for the better.”

He stated the reforms “must therefore go further than the previous government planned, with real support for tenants whose landlord wants to sell or move back in to prevent homelessness”. 

“This includes more time to enjoy our homes without fearing eviction, and more notice and financial support if this happens. Similarly, empowering tenants to challenge rent increases won’t work if we still end up with rents rising faster than our incomes,” Mr Twomey added.