According to the BBC, backbench Conservative Party members are intending to lessen the protections for tenants and enhance the rights of property owners.
The specifics of the dilution are not clear, but it appears that the MPs are worried about landlords exiting the market if reforms go through, which would worsen the UK’s shortage of available rentals.
The British government has made a five-year-old commitment to abolish ‘no fault’ evictions under Section 21.
There is a pressing need to overhaul the country’s inefficient legal system to make it possible to opt for Section 8 evictions, where a valid reason is needed for evicting a tenant, as an alternative to Section 21.
Anthony Kyriacou, who founded and leads krispyhouse, remarked: “Everyone involved—government, landlords, agents, and tenants—should be aiming for a harmoniously working private rental sector.
He added that it would be negative if landlords decided to sell their properties before the bill’s enactment due to concerns about the court’s ability to implement new eviction rules.
Kyriacou stated that while some buy-to-let landlords have begun offloading their properties, leading to a reduction in available stocks, tenants’ rights to rental stability and certainty are equally crucial. The timing and nature of the newly proposed amendments cast doubts on both the bill and the intentions of its proposers.
“A well-considered bill would have been beneficial earlier on, as it would provide certainty to both renters and landlords, allowing the market to adapt and serve everyone involved,” he explained.
The National Residential Landlords Association also shared their thoughts on the BBC report.
Ben Beadle, the organization’s chief executive, stated: “We accept that the government has the authority to end fixed term leases and no-fault repossessions. We strive to create a system that is equitable and functional for both responsible landlords and tenants. The situation doesn’t have to result in a loss for either party.
“The NRLA has always lobbied for the bill to maintain a good balance between tenant protections and the reasonable operational needs of landlords, so they can keep supplying rental housing.
“If the government’s considerations for amendments involve providing a six-month minimum leasing term for landlords and bolstering confidence in the courts, it would present a fair compromise.
“We are waiting for these amendments to be fully disclosed so that everyone can assess them and proceed with public discussions on the bill. The current stagnation and lack of clear direction are unsettling for people and businesses involved in the private-rented sector,” he elaborated.
Oli Sherlock, insurance managing director at Goodlord, also expressed concern over the ongoing uncertainty.
He commented: “The latest developments in the tale of the Renters (Reform) Bill only increase uncertainties in the private rental sector.
“The issue of repealing Section 21 has been unresolved for too long. While we’ve been informed that the courts must be reformed before Section 21 is abolished, there’s been little indication of any investment or progress to that effect.
“How much longer will it take for letting agents and landlords to receive the clarity they need? Without such clarity, meaningful preparation and planning are impossible,” he concluded.
