UK Parliament Passes Renters’ Rights Bill Amid Rental Supply Concerns

Recent legal and policy developments have impacted housing registration and rental regulations across the UK and Scotland. Since October 2022, it has become possible to officially register residence in summer and garden houses, which were previously excluded, provided that applicants submit the necessary documentation to local authorities. In Scotland, the completion of the Moda, The McEwan development in Edinburgh has added 139 new high-quality rental homes with extensive amenities, reflecting a growing emphasis on tenant wellbeing and innovative rental communities. Meanwhile, debates around rent control continue, with concerns raised about exemptions and flexibilities potentially undermining rent control objectives, and the practical challenges tenants face in contesting unlawful rent increases. Additionally, Northern Ireland has amended its Houses in Multiple Occupation licensing fees, increasing the maximum application fee from £45 to £75, reflecting ongoing regulatory adjustments in housing management. Collectively, these changes illustrate ongoing efforts to balance tenant protections, landlord responsibilities, and housing market dynamics in the UK.