"We know from the experience of the former Renters (Reform) Bill that MPs are prepared to listen. We managed to achieve changes to the legislation as it went through Parliament. Now, we must do the same again"
- Neil Cobbold - Reapit | PayProp
An industry expert has urged agents to engage with Members of Parliament to influence the new Renters’ Rights Bill for the benefit of the Private Rented Sector.
Neil Cobbold, commercial director of Reapit | PayProp, said: “Property professionals need to understand exactly what is being proposed and prove to politicians that they are the true custodians of reliable information about the PRS.
“We know from the experience of the former Renters (Reform) Bill that MPs are prepared to listen. We managed to achieve changes to the legislation as it went through Parliament. Now, we must do the same again.”
That Bill was stopped when Parliament was dissolved after the general election was called.
Plans for Labour’s new Renters’ Rights Bill were outlined in the King’s Speech and, while they were light on detail, the most controversial proposal – the abolition of Section 21 (so-called ‘no-fault’) evictions – was mentioned specifically.
Massive court backlog still needs a solution
Labour won the election with a massive 172-seat majority and has followed through with the pledge on Section 21 abolition, expanding landlords’ possession grounds and introducing the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS.
“The devil will be in the detail,” said Cobbold.
“As it stands, this new Bill will encounter the same problem as the last one – a massive backlog in the courts that may damage landlords’ confidence that they can regain possession of their properties when necessary.
“We need to wait and see what new measures the government intends to put in place to mitigate this and establish the timeline for change.
“But at first glance, agents will be best placed to suggest the necessary amendments to ensure this Bill works for the sector.
Good quality homes are the goal for all
“There are literally hundreds of new MPs following the election result and this is a great opportunity for agents to make themselves known and share their experience, data and local knowledge.
“While some may be worried about the change of emphasis from rental reform to renters’ rights, looking at the current proposals this is largely the same as the policies proposed by the previous government. It is important we don’t get caught up in political rhetoric but work towards improving the sector.
“We know that there are around 15 households chasing every available home to rent at the moment. Even higher levels of demand will simply push up rents further. The government must ensure the measures in the Bill do not compromise the housing supply in the PRS.
Cobbold concluded: “Agents are the experts in the sector, but agents, tenants and landlords all want the same things: good quality homes and a stable lettings market.”
