A Conservative MP has expressed fresh concerns that landlords could sell up and reduce the supply of much-needed private rented stock as a result of the new Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB).
Rebecca Smith told MPs during this week’s RRB debate that she had heard from a constituent with 89 properties who planned to sell his homes, which she feared could land renters in the temporary accommodation system.
Smith, the MP for South West Devon, told the Commons: “The fact that the homes are not necessarily always fit to live in is almost the least of the problems because … if there are are no homes to live in, the people do not have anywhere to be.”
Labour MP Markus Campbell-Savours (Penrith and Solway) intervened, asking: “What do you think happens to properties when landlords remove themselves from the sector?”
Smith continued: “One of my constituents has recently written to me to say that he is very sadly, having been a landlord to the same tenants for 25 years, selling his entire portfolio of 89 properties.”
The backbencher added: “Now sometimes, we do actually see – if he will allow me to finish, thank you very much – what we actually do see are some really constructive solutions to these problems.
“So, for example, whilst I was the Cabinet member under the Conservative government and a Conservative council, Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Community Homes and Homes England were able to work together to purchase 86 three-bedroom properties from Annington Homes, who are the supplier to the Ministry of Defence.
“So … there are some options, however, when my constituent has approached the council, currently there has been no movement.”
Nigel Farage opposes the government’s “self-defeating” rental reform bill, calling it a “huge mistake”
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