The long awaited second reading of the Renters Reform Bill has finally transpired and it moves into the committee stage, where it will be examined line by line.

Housing Secretary Michael Gove, acknowledged problems with the existing Bill in the areas of lettings for the student market, and that the court system must be made

“fit for purpose,” before Section 21 is abolished. He also talked about consolidating Section 8 possessions, and the lowering of the basis on which antisocial behaviour and non-paying tenants can be evicted.

The response has been largely negative, since the conservatives pledged the abolition of Section 21 notices in their 2019 manifesto. Blaming the court and the Justice system, got a response from Angela Rayner, the shadow housing secretary. She stated: “Having broken the justice system, they are now using their own failure to indefinitely delay keeping their promises to renters, in the most underhand way. This comes at a heavy price for renters, who have been let down for too long already.”

With all the delays to this bill, it is worth remembering that it was due for a second reading back in January of this year. This was delayed due to some ‘in house’ fighting, so it is assumed, if everything goes smoothly, that it will gain Royal Assent sometime in 2024. Legislation usually comes into force 6 months after that, which will be for new tenancies, 18-24 months after Royal Assent for pre-existing tenancies. With no time scale on the court reform, we could have had a general election before section 21 notices are abolished.