Legislative Consent: Renters (Reform) Bill

The Renters (Reform) Bill (the Bill) was introduced in the House of Commons on 17 May 2023.

The long title to the Bill notes that it is a Bill to “make provision changing the law about rented homes, including provision abolishing fixed term assured tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies; imposing obligations on landlords and others in relation to rented homes and temporary and supported accommodation; and for connected purposes.”

The Bill is subject to the legislative consent process under Standing Order 29. This is when the consent of the Welsh Parliament is sought by the UK Government to legislate on an issue which falls within the competence of the Senedd.

On 22 May 2024 it was announced that a UK General Election would take place on 4 July 2024. The Renters (Reform) Bill failed to complete its passage through UK Parliament before the prorogue of Parliament on 24 May 2024 and its dissolution on 30 May 2024. This means the Bill will make no further progress and the Senedd’s consent process is no longer engaged.

Legislative Consent Memorandum – January 2024

On 30 January 2024 the Welsh Government laid a Legislative Consent Memorandum (PDF 172KB).

The Business Committee referred the LCM to the Local Government and Housing Committee, and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a reporting deadline of 15 March 2024 (PDF 28KB).

On 27 February 2024, the Business Committee agreed to extend the reporting deadline until 26 April 2024 (PDF 64KB).

On 16 April 2024, the Business Committee agreed to extend the reporting deadline until 10 May 2024 (PDF 84KB).

The Local Government and Housing Committee published its report (PDF 217KB) on the LCM on 10 May 2024.

The Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee laid its report (PDF 352KB) on 10 May 2024.