Renters (Reform) Bill moves to the House of Lords

Yesterday the delayed Renters (Reform) Bill that was first proposed 5 years ago, returned to the House of Commons for its Report Stage and Third Reading. The Bill will now move on to the House of Lords for further discussion.

According to Propertymark, the property ombudsman, “the Renters (Reform) Bill has been strengthened since it was first introduced but still misses the mark in providing the right level of fairness and flexibility for landlords, tenants and improved competency standards for letting agents”.

Propertymark campaigns on behalf of the sector to government and is pleased that the UK Government has listened to its members’, including Harry Charles Estate Agents in Watford, Hertfordshire, concerns, campaigns and welcomes the changes around fixed-term tenancies and assessment of the county court possession system before abolishing Section 21.

However, Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark believes the UK Government continue to not recognise the benefit of allowing tenants and landlords to enter a fixed term tenancy where it is mutually beneficial to both parties. This will impact large parts of the market including students who rent.

The Third Reading is the final chance for the Commons to debate the contents of a Bill. Once it has been formally introduced to the House of Lords, it will go through a further process of debate and committee sessions where more amendments can be put forward.

The Labour party have indicated that they intend to re-table amendments which were rejected during the Commons Committee stage, notably to remove the new Ground 8a for repeated rent arrears, prohibit rental bidding wars, and extend Awaab's Law to the Private Rented Sector.

The legislation as a whole must help to increase the supply of homes to rent and not reduce the number, so Propertymark will continue this work with MPs in the Lords to champion the role of property agents and iron out further unintended consequences to ensure the legislation works in practice for all.

There is still a long way to go before the Renters (Reform) Bill becomes law, however Harry Charles Estate Agents will keep our customers updated with developments.