Renters Rights Bill must balance interests of tenants and landlords as it edges ‘closer to becoming law’ – London Wallet

The House of Lords has backed a series of amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill, paving the way for the planned legislation to be introduced.

Over the past 12 months the legislation, which proposes many wide-ranging evolutions, such as a ban on Section 21 evictions, has been working its way through Westminster and has been subject to oversight and debate within the House of Lords regarding proposed amendments, all of which are aimed at strengthening and refining areas of the Bill before it becomes law.

It’s vital that the new legislation strikes a fair balance for all parties involved, while also fostering continued investment in the private rented sector – a point emphasised by Propertymark CEO, Nathan Emerson.

“As the Renters’ Rights Bill continues to edge closer to becoming law, it’s right that the House of Lords bring full scrutiny to the many amendments proposed,” he said. “From the outset, the sheer complexity involved in creating a balanced piece of legislation to serve both tenants and landlords fairly should not be underestimated.”

Emerson says the proposed legislation must be futureproof in its ambition to lift standards, it is also essential that all aspects of the bill are measurable, and that key elements are enforceable to ensure intended new standards are adhered to. The House of Lords has backed a series of amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill, many of which Propertymark have campaigned for to help create a healthy, fair, practical and professional private rented sector.

There have, however, been concerns about how the new legislation will be implemented and the capacity of the courts system to deal with the potential spike in cases following the proposed abolition of Section 21 evictions.

Propertymark has expressed concerns on how the current legal system may cope without adequate new funding and resource moving forwards.

“The Bill will represent some of the biggest evolutions seen within the rental sector in over thirty years, and it is encouraging to witness comprehensive discussion to help ensure the proposed legislation is fit for purpose and responsive to future needs,” Emerson continued.

Another key concern is that without an enhanced and well-resourced enforcement regime from local authorities, it is unlikely that many of the benefits from the new reforms will be fully realised. Propertymark continues to encourage the UK Government to assess and invest in these areas to help ensure the proposed bill is efficient and effective

Emerson added: “It must strike a workable balance between tenant needs, ensuring landlords are supported in their ambition to provide high-quality properties, and the need to encourage future investment in building sustainable housing to keep pace with ever-increasing demand.”