The bill, which is set to be introduced this week, may include allowing tenants to have pets and doubling notice periods for rent increases to bolster tenant powers.
The Co-op and Shelter said it had been four years since renting reforms were proposed but there were yet to be any changes introduced.
The organisations will collaboratively campaign to deliver the reforms to support tenants. They have called for the bill to be made law “as a matter of urgency”.
The Co-op and Shelter have called for the introduction of a national landlords register, for section 21 to be scrapped and to end “income discrimination” particularly towards those claiming means-tested benefits.
The bank will call on colleagues and customers to sign the petition asking for these proposals to be prioritised and both organisations will raise awareness of the need for a fairer private rented system.
‘Too many private renters trapped in a broken system’
Nick Slape, CEO of The Co-operative Bank, said: “Our customers tell us that fighting poverty and inequality across the UK is extremely important to them and that’s why campaigning on issues such as homelessness is so meaningful to The Co-operative Bank.
“We recognise the issues that some renters have been facing in accessing safe and secure housing within the private rented sector, which, at a time of increased pressures around cost of living, is exacerbating the homelessness emergency we are facing.
“That’s why we’re standing up for those who do not have a safe and secure home, campaigning with Shelter to demand the introduction of a transformative Renters’ Reform Bill that can deliver lasting change for renters.”
Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter, said: “We are so pleased to be launching this new partnership with The Co-operative Bank at this critical time. As organisations, we believe in the importance of home and the power of campaigning, and together we will be a force for change.
“Too many private renters are trapped in a broken, insecure and unfair system. Every day, we hear from people facing awful conditions and the constant threat of eviction if they complain. Renters deserve better, that’s why we need a robust Renter’s’ Reform Bill that protects tenants, makes renting safer, and provides the security so many people desperately need.”
