Industry responds to Renters (Reform) Bill’s third reading
In relation to the Renters (Reform) Bill getting its third reading yesterday, charities, ministers and housing experts have voiced their opinions.
Oli Sherlock, Managing Director of Insurance, Goodlord:
‘The Renters (Reform) Bill involves much more than the abolition of Section 21 eviction notices. However, it was the main topic of conversation again in Parliament [yesterday]. Although it is imperative for the county courts to have the resources they need to cope with the upcoming changes, the lack of detail around when and how the money to pay for this will be provided is disappointing.’
Lauren Hughes, Director of Customer Success, Vouch:
‘The Renters (Reform) Bill does seem to be creaking towards the finish line, but [yesterday’s] debate showcased just how much uncertainty remains. Section 21 was much discussed, with a range of Tory MPs continuing to put pressure on Gove to water down the manifesto proposal to scrap no-fault evictions. And it appears that this strategy has been effective, with the Housing Minister admitting that the Section 21 an is unlikely to be in place before a General Election.’
Matthew Pennycook, Labour’s shadow Housing Minister:
‘Instead of ministers having the courage to face down their unruly backbenchers, this weak and divided Conservative government is appeasing them at the expense of private renters who will see the rights and protections they were promised watered down.’
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive, National Residential Landlords Association:
‘Tenants should be rightly empowered to hold rogue and criminal landlords to account to root out the minority who bring the sector into disrepute. However, it is vital that the majority of responsible landlords have confidence in the Bill to provide the homes for rent the country needs.
‘The amendments proposed by the government strike that balance.’
Polly Neate, Chief Executive, Shelter:
‘The government has led private renters down the garden path and dashed their best chance of a secure home. For every day the government has spent weaking [the Bill], at least 500 renters were slapped with a no-fault eviction notice.
‘With the spectre of homelessness never far away, renters will remain powerless to challenge dangerous conditions and unfair rent hikes.’
Ian Fletcher, Director of Policy, British Property Federation:
‘At a time when we need to increase investment in the supply of good quality private rented accommodation, one of the greatest obstacles to achieving that has been investor hesitancy caused by an uncertain regulatory environment, with many landlords and investors living with such uncertainty on renters’ reform since the government made it a manifesto commitment in 2019.
‘This uncertainly has undoubtedly had a cooling effect on the private rented sector and delayed many investment decisions.
‘It is therefore imperative that not only does this Bill get passed overall to prevent landlords living with uncertainty for a further prolonged period, but the government’s amendments in relation to an initial six-month period for tenants, the requirement for an assessment on the county court possession system before abolishing Section 21, and changes to protect student landlords in particular are retained as the Bill progresses through its next stages in the House of Lords.’
Image: Tumisu
Renters (Reform) Bill labelled a ‘failure’ on its return to Parliament
