Under the proposed Renters' Rights Bill, discrimination against tenants based on factors like receiving benefits or having children is set to be illegal. These new measures aim to ensure fair treatment for all prospective tenants, helping to create a more inclusive rental market.

What Does the New Legislation Say?

• Discrimination against tenants with children: Clause 32 of the proposed legislation makes it illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against prospective tenants with children, regardless of the parent's gender. The only acceptable reason for refusal based on family size is overcrowding.

• Overcrowding regulations: The law will prohibit landlords from discriminating against tenants with children, except where overcrowding regulations apply.

The Private Rented Sector Database is a new initiative under the Renters’ Rights Bill that will require landlords to register their properties and provide detailed information about their rental practices. This measure aims to improve transparency, ensure compliance with legal obligations and help target local council enforcement activity where it is needed most.

What Is the Private Rented Sector Database?

The Private Rented Sector Database will serve as a central register for landlords and properties. This includes:

As part of the ongoing reforms under the Renters’ Rights Bill, the UK government is planning to introduce the Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman to improve tenant-landlord dispute resolution. This change aims to ensure a fairer and more efficient system for handling tenant complaints against landlords.

What Is the Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman?

The Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman will be an independent, impartial body that will handle tenant complaints about their landlords. It is designed to: