A recent analysis conducted by the Renters’ Reform Coalition has highlighted that five of the ten MPs in England with the largest landlord portfolios are actively participating in efforts to weaken the Renters (Reform) Bill.
The MPs identified include Nick Fletcher, Marco Longhi, Bob Blackman, James Gray, and Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown, who are part of a group of 40 Conservative backbenchers endorsing amendments that, according to campaigners, could significantly undermine the bill.
The proposed amendments, introduced by Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall, aim to make substantial changes to the bill, such as permitting the use of ‘hearsay’ evidence in eviction cases related to antisocial behavior, indefinitely postponing the bill’s implementation, and setting a minimum six-month occupancy requirement for tenants before they can terminate their tenancy.
Additionally, the amendments propose eliminating council licensing schemes designed to improve housing standards and allowing the continuation of fixed-term tenancies through ‘mutual agreement,’ a move critics argue will disproportionately favor landlords in tenancy negotiations.
The Renters’ Reform Bill has already undergone modifications to accommodate the concerns of landlord associations, including delaying the abolition of section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions until judicial reforms are implemented and simplifying the process for landlords to evict tenants on grounds of antisocial behavior.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove has reiterated the government’s commitment to banning no-fault evictions before the next General Election, a stance that goes beyond previous promises. However, the Renters’ Reform Coalition warns against any further concessions to landlord MPs that might result in a nominal end to no-fault evictions, leaving landlords with the ability to evict tenants at will.
The involvement of landlord MPs in amending the bill raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially considering that 30% of the MPs supporting the amendments are landlords themselves, a figure significantly higher than the 17% average among English MPs in the House of Commons.
Tom Darling, campaign manager of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, expressed concern over the MPs’ actions, stating: “It is therefore extremely concerning to see these MPs signing up to amendments that would render significant parts of the legislation pointless.”
He emphasised the need for more comprehensive reforms to ensure longer tenancies, higher penalties for unethical landlords, and measures to prevent unaffordable rent increases, which can effectively act as no-fault evictions.
