Housing secretary Michael Gove has been warned that delays to rental reforms are “damaging and destabilising” for tenants and the sector as a whole, amid concerns that the government is watering down its pledge to introduce fresh measures to prevent homelessness.
In a joint letter sent to Housing Secretary Michael Gove, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and the charity Crisis raised doubts over the future of the Renters (Reform) Bill, which was expected to scrap Section 21 evictions.
The legislation, which the letter describes as “the biggest set of changes to the private rented sector for over 30 years”, reached the report stage of its passage through parliament in November last year but is yet to be allocated a date for further consideration, aid growing speculation that the government is planning a major U-turn.
The government has said the scrapping of Section 21 would not come in until reforms in the court system to ensure it is also a fair process for landlords.
However, the NRLA and Crisis have joined other campaigners in warning that “time is running out” for the Bill to be adequately scrutinised.
The letter said: “Over recent weeks a number of media reports have suggested that the Government is considering amendments to the Bill.
“The confusion and uncertainty about the future of the Bill is hurting the rental market and leading many responsible landlords to hold back investment in new homes to rent.
“The rumour, speculation and a litany of off-the record briefings are causing a huge amount of concern and uncertainty for tenants and responsible landlords.
“We therefore call on the government to publish, as a matter of urgency and in full, any amendments it might now be considering so that all parties can judge for themselves what is on the table and debate the substance in public. Time is running out to ensure that this Bill can complete its passage through Parliament with the proper consideration it deserves.
“The lack of progress and uncertainty about the future is destabilising and damaging for those living and working in the private-rented sector. This has to end.”
A government spokesperson commented: “Our landmark Renters Reform Bill is passing through Parliament and will deliver a fairer private rented sector for both tenants and landlords.
“We continue to meet regularly with a range of groups representing all those in the private rented sector and engage on our reforms.”
