The Renters’ Rights Bill will become law ‘as soon as possible’ housing secretary Angela Rayner has promised as parliament debates her legislation for the first time.

In comments published today Rayner says the Government is ‘determined to get this in the state book’ without delay in the teeth of criticism from the industry but plaudits from campaigning groups such as Generation Rent.

Her department claims the Bill delivers on its manifesto commitment to overhaul the experience of renters within the private rented sector and in particular banning Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, which it claims is one of the leading causes of homelessness.

It also says the legislation when it gets Royal Assent probably in January or early February, will stamp out unfair rent increase and raise the bar of property quality, in particular mould and damp.

Cruel threat

Rayner says: “I am determined to get this Bill in to law as soon as possible. The thousands of children and families living in unsafe housing or under the cruel threat of a Section 21 eviction notice have been waiting far too long already.

“We will deliver on our promise to renters and transform the sector into one where families can put down roots, where children can grow up in healthy homes, and where young people can save for their future.”

Chris Norris, Policy & Campaigns Director for the National Residential Landlords Association (pictured), says: “The changes MPs will debate are the biggest shake up of the rental market for over 30 years.

“The proposed reforms need to secure the confidence of both tenants and responsible landlords if they are to work.

“Whilst the Bill should ensure that every tenant can live securely in decent housing, it should also avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater.”