Generation Rent (Renters’ Reform Coalition)

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Why we are funding this project

Renters should be a central part of any changes proposed to the private rented sector, yet their voices are often absent and not heard in meaningful debate. In response to the government’s announcement in December 2019 that it would bring forward a Renters’ Reform Bill, the Nationwide Foundation is working with Generation Rent and renters’ voice and support organisations to amplify the views of the people who will be most affected by changes to the law.

Strategic purpose

• The private rented sector provides homes for people in need which are more affordable, secure, accessible and better quality.
• Tenants will have a stronger voice in debates on the private rented sector and housing.

Project description

In the Queen’s Speech of December 2019, the Westminster government announced that it planned to bring forward a Renters’ Reform Bill to make significant changes to the private rented sector in England and to rebalance the relationship between landlords and tenants.

In December 2020 the formation of the Renters’ Reform Coalition was announced. The coalition is made up of 20 leading organisations supporting and representing private renters, including national housing and homelessness charities, renter unions, advice centres, and thinktanks.

Coalition members are united in their mission to reform the private rented sector so that everyone who relies on it for their home can prosper. Together they have a broad range of expertise on housing and associated issues. They represent all parts of the renters’ movement, and campaign for policy change both inside and outside of the Renters’ Reform Coalition.

The coalition has worked together to develop a Blueprint for Private Renting Reform, setting out the policy principles needed to make private renting fairer for tenants. These principles cover:
– Ending no fault evictions
– Open-ended tenancies
– Addressing affordability
– A national landlord register
– Preventing illegal evictions
– Access to justice for tenants
– Preventing discrimination

A government White Paper on private renting reform is due in Spring 2022, and a bill is expected in due course.

In the meantime, the coalition will campaign to keep private renting reform on the agenda and to use its influence to ensure that reforms improve conditions for renters and create a fairer system where renters are aware of their legal rights and feel empowered to use them.

For more information, there is a dedicated homepage for the Renters’ Reform Coalition, where regular updates will be posted.

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