They say these amendments would help strike the balance between the needs of renters and landlords
In a bid to ensure the effectiveness of the Renters (Reform) Bill for the private rented sector, landlords are rallying members of parliament (MPs) to endorse practical amendments to the bill.
The landlords’ call for support follows the introduction of a set of proposed changes by Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall, along with fellow lawmakers, ahead of the bill’s report stage.
The proposed amendments include implementing the recommendations of the cross-party housing select committee, which suggests that tenants should be unable to give notice to vacate a property until they have resided in it for at least four months at the conclusion of fixed term tenancies.
Another proposed change seeks to empower the courts to consider evidence such as texts or emails from neighbours when determining whether a tenant has engaged in anti-social behaviour.
Addressing worries about the courts’ readiness for the impact of the end of section 21 repossessions, the proposed amendment calls for the government to publish a review of possession proceedings in the courts before abolishing it.
To avoid redundant efforts, the proposed changes also suggest terminating the use of landlord selective licensing schemes by councils once the national Property Portal for the private rented sector is established.
Additionally, the amendments aim to safeguard the annual cycle of all types of student housing by extending the proposed ground for possession to include one- and two-bedroom student properties, not solely focusing on houses in multiple occupation.
🆕NEW: Ahead of the Report stage of the Renters (Reform) Bill, a series of amendments have been tabled by Anthony Mangnall MP and other parliamentary colleagues.
— NRLA - National Residential Landlords Association (@NRLAssociation) January 18, 2024
🔗Here's everything you need to know, and the NRLA's response: https://t.co/ZGZxMVyp9q #landlords #rentersreformbill
With legislators considering these pragmatic changes, landlords stressed the importance of a balanced approach that considers both tenant security and landlord certainty in the evolving landscape of the private rented sector.
“We accept that section 21 is going and agree that tenants need to feel empowered to challenge the actions of rogue and criminal landlords,” Ben Beadle (pictured), chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said. “However, amid a supply crisis in the rental market, it is vital that the bill has the confidence of responsible landlords.
“These pragmatic changes would go a long way towards striking the balance between the needs of renters and the majority of landlords who do right by their tenants.”
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