Farewell to the AST? The government’s latest proposals on tenancy reform

The leasehold reform agenda gained further momentum last week, with the publication of a new consultation seeking views on how best to implement the proposals announced in April to abolish section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 and replace it with a strengthened section 8 process – including the removal of assured shorthold tenancies or ASTs. The consultation is open for 12 weeks, with responses due on or before 12 October.

To explain the detail of the consultation paper, EG’s Professional & Legal Editor Sarah Jackman is joined in the studio by residential property litigation partner Eleanor Murray of law firm CMS. She delves into the detail of the proposals - including the potential replacements for the AST and how they might operate - looks at the government’s position on rent controls and comments on whether the proposals achieve a fair balance between the landlord and the tenant.