Parliament will rise for its Christmas break on 19 December and return on 8 January. There are two housing bills currently under consideration. The Renters Reform Bill, which we have previously reported on in this bulletin, has been debated by MPs in committee and is currently awaiting a date for report stage in the House of Commons. In committee, the government introduced amendments to make it illegal for landlords and agents to operate blanket bans on renting to people on benefits or with children. Another amendment, as expected, applies the Decent Homes Standard to privately rented properties for the first time.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill, introduced to Parliament on 27 November, will make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to buy their freehold, increase standard lease extension terms to 990 years for houses and flats, and provide greater transparency over service charges. The Bill will also amend the legal costs regime and make it easier for leaseholders to challenge unreasonable charges.

The government is not expected to bring forward proposals to amend other legislation before the Christmas break, but further details of Awaab’s Law, which will set timescales for responding to damp and mould and other health hazards, are expected early in the New Year, along with a new requirement for social landlords to carry out fire safety checks. A consultation on amendments to the Decent Homes Standard is also expected, but its timing is likely to depend on the progress of the Renters Reform Bill. Following the completion of consultation, the Regulator of Social Housing is likely to publish its new Consumer Standards and the associated Code of Practice in February.