Today, King Charles III opened Parliament and unveiled the Labour government’s legislative plans for the year ahead. Among other things, he read out draft laws on speeding up the delivery of high-quality housing, a move that media outlets and commentators have interpreted as the new government prioritising the housing sector. Here are the highlights that landlords ought to know.
Renters Bill Back on the Agenda
The Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB), parts of which were initially proposed in 2019, has resurfaced. This bill aims to enhance tenant protections, including banning Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions. Additionally, there is a promise to extend Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector (PRS). The Renters’ Rights Bill also includes plans to end rental bidding wars, allow tenants to request keeping a pet and improve the standard and safety of rental properties.
Laws to Rebuild the Country
Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised urgently, “There is no time to waste. We are hitting the ground running by bringing forward the laws we will need to rebuild our country for the long-term – and our ambitious, fully costed agenda is the down payment on that change. From energy, to planning, to unbreakable fiscal rules, my government is serious about delivering the stability that is going to turbocharge growth that will create wealth in every corner of the UK.”
He added, “The task of national renewal will not be easy, and this is just the down payment on our plans for the next five years, but the legislation set out at the King’s Speech will build on the momentum of our first days in office and make a difference to the lives of working people.”
Key Announcements to Note:
- Cost of Living Correspondent: Housing is a priority for this government and will be a key issue in the next election.
- Streamlined Planning Bill: Aims to accelerate the construction of 1.5 million homes in England over the next five years, averaging 822 homes daily.
- Rising House Prices: Official figures show the average house price in England has surpassed £300,000. However, increasing housing supply may not guarantee affordability, especially for first-time buyers.
- Immediate Impact on Renters: Proposed changes for 11 million renters in England, including a much-delayed ban on no-fault evictions, will likely have a more immediate effect. The Renters’ Rights Bill also plans to:
- End rental bidding wars.
- Allow tenants to request keeping a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.
- Improve the standard and safety of rental properties.
- Could the Autumn Budget 2026 Bring Down the UK Mansion Tax Threshold to £1.5m? - 25 September 2026
- The Bank of England Interest Rate Stays at 3.75%. But Here’s the Catch - 18 September 2026
- The North Is Now the Fastest UK Rent Growth Region. Here’s What That Does to Rental Yields - 17 September 2026
