Landlords are actively appealing to MPs to support essential amendments to the Renters (Reform) Bill, as it nears its Report stage. Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall and colleagues have proposed a series of changes to address concerns from both landlords and tenants.
Key amendments suggested include implementing the housing select committee’s recommendation that tenants should not give notice to leave a property until they have occupied it for at least four months post-fixed term tenancies. This is aimed at striking a balance between tenant security and landlord certainty.
Other proposed changes focus on allowing courts to consider evidence such as texts or emails from neighbors in cases of tenant anti-social behavior and addressing concerns about court preparedness for the abolition of section 21 repossessions. The government is being urged to review the operation of possession proceedings in courts. Additionally, proposed changes seek to prevent duplication of efforts by ending the use of landlord selective licensing schemes with the establishment of the national Property Portal.
There is also a push to protect the annual cycle of all types of student housing by extending the Government’s proposed ground for possession to include one- and two-bedroom student properties, not just Houses in Multiple Occupation.
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “We accept that section 21 is going and agree that tenants need to feel empowered to challenge the actions of rogue and criminal landlords.
“However, amidst a supply crisis in the rental market, it is vital that the Bill has the confidence of responsible landlords. These pragmatic changes would go a long way towards striking the balance between the needs of renters and the majority of landlords who do right by their tenants.”
