"These new rules will give renters greater protection against criminal operators and is a step in the right direction for the market."
The new Bill will replace the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and requires residential rented accommodation to be provided and maintained in a state of fitness for human habitation.
The law will give tenants new powers to take landlords to court where a property fails to be deemed habitable.
Minister for housing and homelessness, Heather Wheeler MP, said: “Everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live, regardless of whether you own your home or rent it.
“That’s why government has introduced a range of measures to help ensure that people who are renting have good quality and well-maintained properties to call home.
“This new law is a further step to ensure that tenants have the decent homes they deserve.”
David Cox, chief executive of ARLA Propertymark, commented: “We’re pleased the Bill has now received Royal Assent after a swift passage through Parliament. These new rules will give renters greater protection against criminal operators and is a step in the right direction for the market.
"We congratulate Karen Buck MP on her work and we look forward to continuing to work with her to achieve better enforcement against those who bring the sector into disrepute.”
