Activists are criticizing the government, accusing it of letting its “landlord backbenchers” influence the dilution of the proposed rental reforms. The reports suggest that Tory MPs have been consulted to potentially weaken the upcoming legislation.
The Renters (Reform) Bill, which seeks to eliminate Section 21 evictions, is currently under parliamentary consideration, fulfilling a promise made by the government in 2019. However, the Renters’ Reform Coalition is skeptical, believing the enactment of these new protections has been unduly delayed.
This concern surfaced after it became known that ministers had been discussing the reforms’ amendments with certain Conservative MPs, aiming to reduce the protections for tenants in England.
The BBC reportedly has accessed draft amendments that the government has made to the bill, which is designed to prohibit Section 21 evictions.
The suggested modifications have been shared with Conservative MPs who have shown unease over the bill and are pushing for expanded rights for landlords.
The government affirms its commitment to ban “no-fault” evictions by the upcoming election.
The Renters (Reform) Bill, presented last May, would allow English landlords to evict tenants only for specific reasons, like intending to sell the property or if they or a close family member plan to occupy it.
Nevertheless, the bill still awaits passage through the House of Commons.
About 50 Conservative MPs, some of whom own rental properties, have voiced objections to the bill, fearing that it could prompt landlords to exit the market, thus decreasing available rental properties.
The BBC indicates that these draft amendments have been up for approval among a group of concerned Tory MPs on WhatsApp.
An MP from the Conservative party indicated to the BBC that a consensus on most issues seems to have been reached.
Tom Darling from the Renters’ Reform Coalition criticized the government for apparently outsourcing the drafting of the Renters (Reform) Bill to MPs who are landlords themselves, describing the move as both scandalous and farcical.
He believes that actions suggest the government wants to present itself as committed to bettering conditions for renters, but delaying the ban on Section 21 and implying a lowered responsibility for landlords to ensure safe housing lead private renters to doubt this commitment.
Earlier, Housing Secretary Michael Gove reassured the commitment to ban Section 21 evictions before the general election later this year.
When questioned about the termination of this practice before the next vote, Gove promised enforcement, supported by investment in the courts, in a BBC interview.
In response to the amendments revealed by the BBC, the Labour party accused the Conservative government of betraying renters and showcasing another instance of weak governance prioritizing party interests over national concerns.
Angela Rayner, Shadow Housing Secretary, urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to guarantee he would not succumb to backbench pressure and neglect the commitments made to renters.
She criticized the government for both compromising justice and renter promises through a covert approach and demanded an immediate governmental statement to Parliament.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson claimed that the significant Renters (Reform) Bill would benefit both tenants and landlords in the private rented sector.
Responding to the amendment reports, National Residential Landlords Association’s CEO, Ben Beadle, argued for the advancement of reforms, emphasizing a balanced approach that respects tenant protection and recognizes the legitimate business interests of responsible landlords.
He encouraged the full disclosure of amendments for public consideration and debate, stressing that the lack of progress and certainty adversely affects everyone involved in the private-rented sector.
Lauren Hughes from Vouch expressed frustration with the delay in the legislation, noting that the industry has been awaiting change for too long and emphasizing the need to finalize the new rules.
Oli Sherlock of Goodlord remarked on the uncertainty wrought by the ongoing debates regarding the bill, pointing out the prolonged indecision over Section 21 abolition and the absence of progress in the court system reforms needed for its implementation. He called for definitive clarity to facilitate preparations within the letting and landlord community.
An embedded content block also notes that nearly a third of Tory MPs seeking to weaken the Renters Reform Bill are themselves landlords.
