The committee stage of the Renters’ Reform Bill will get underway today, giving organisations and individuals an opportunity to put forward suggested amendments to a cross party group of MPs.
There are a number of major concerns, including court reform, student lets, notice periods and pets, that will be debated today, with the Committee expected to report back their findings to the House of Commons by Tuesday 5 December 2023.
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA said: “We have heard some positive sounds coming from the government on student lets and court reform, however until any amendments are put forward we will continue to campaign for change.
“We are also calling for movement on notice periods, to ensure that what’s included in the Bill is fair to responsible landlords as well as tenants – something that is vital if the Bill is to succeed.”
He added: “I am looking forward to sharing landlords’ views and experiences with the committee on Tuesday and recommending simple, workable changes that have the potential to make a positive difference on the ground.”
Propertymark, who will also give evidence at the Committee stage, says it is committed to ensuring the Bill is evidence-based.
A spokesperson commented: “The role of property agents is incorporated fairly within the introduction of a new Ombudsman for landlords, plus, demonstrate how agents can play a full role in increasing property standards.”
“We want to see a use of fixed-term tenancies where both parties want one – this is particularly important for the student sector, a role for inventories within the reforms, strengthened mandatory grounds and the qualification and regulation of property agents through utilising the registration requirements contained within the PRS Database proposals,” they added.
The all-party committee consists of: Nickie Aiken MP (Conservative); Mike Amesbury MP (Labour); Shaun Bailey MP (Conservative); Sara Britcliffe MP (Conservative); Karen Buck MP (Labour); Anna Firth MP (Conservative); Mary Glindon MP (Labour); Eddie Hughes MP (Conservative); Siobhain McDonagh MP (Labour); Gagan Mohindra MP (Conservative); Helen Morgan MP (Liberal Democrat); Matthew Pennycook MP (Labour, Shadow Housing Minister); Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP (Labour); Dean Russell MP (Conservative); Ben Spencer MP (Conservative); and Craig Tracey MP (Conservative).
The evidence session, which will be shown on Parliament TV from 9.25am until 5pm, will be available to watch live.
