The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is actively pushing for what it deems as “pragmatic” adjustments to the Renters Reform Bill, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that benefits the entire private rented sector. This advocacy gains significance as Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall, along with fellow colleagues, introduces a series of amendments in preparation for the upcoming Report stage of the Bill.
In addressing the proposed changes, the NRLA emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the Renters Reform Bill aligns with the practical needs and concerns of landlords within the private rental sector. The call for “pragmatic” modifications underscores the association’s commitment to fostering a balanced legislative framework that caters to the interests of both tenants and landlords, promoting a fair and effective rental market.
These include proposals to:
- Implement the housing select committee’s suggestions, stipulating that tenants can’t terminate a fixed-term tenancy until they’ve resided in the property for at least four months. Striking a balance between tenant security and landlord certainty is crucial, as acknowledged by the committee.
- Allow courts to consider evidence like texts or emails from neighbors when determining if a tenant has engaged in anti-social behavior, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of the situation.
- To address concerns about the unpreparedness of courts for the impact of the end of section 21 repossessions, mandate the government to conduct and publish a review of possession proceedings in the courts before abolishing the section. The Law Society emphasizes the overstretched nature of the courts and urges the government to outline plans for managing increased demand and addressing existing backlogs.
In a bid to ensure the Renters Reform Bill is conducive to the entire private rented sector, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is calling for what it deems “pragmatic” adjustments. Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall, along with colleagues, has proposed amendments ahead of the Bill’s Report stage.
The NRLA advocates for the implementation of recommendations from the cross-party housing select committee, suggesting that tenants should be unable to give notice until they have been in a property for at least four months when fixed-term tenancies conclude. This proposal aims to strike a reasonable balance between tenant security and landlord certainty, as emphasized by the committee. Additionally, the NRLA calls for evidence such as texts or emails from neighbors to be considered in court when assessing tenant engagement in anti-social behavior.
Addressing concerns about the courts’ readiness for the impact of the end of section 21 repossessions, the NRLA proposes a mandatory review of possession proceedings in courts before section 21 is abolished. The Law Society’s prior warning about overstretched courts underscores the need for a strategic plan to manage increased demand and address existing backlogs.
Furthermore, the NRLA advocates for measures to prevent costly duplication of efforts, specifically by ceasing the use of landlord selective licensing schemes once the national Property Portal is established. They also propose extending the government’s proposed ground for possession to include one- and two-bedroom student properties, not just Houses in Multiple Occupation, to protect the annual cycle of all types of student housing.
NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle emphasizes the association’s acceptance of the removal of section 21 while underscoring the importance of instilling confidence among responsible landlords. These proposed pragmatic changes aim to strike a delicate balance between addressing renters’ needs and ensuring the majority of landlords act responsibly toward their tenants, especially within the challenging context of a rental market supply crisis.
