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 (PRS).
Neil Cobbold (pictured), commercial director of Reapit, PayProp, said property professionals must understand exactly what is being proposed and prove to politicians that they are the true custodians of reliable information about the PRS.
He said: “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 limited on detail, the most controversial proposal – the abolition of Section 21 (so-called ‘no-fault’) evictions – was mentioned specifically.
“The devil will be in the detail,” Cobbold added.
“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.
Cobbold added that with hundreds of new MPs after the election, agents have a prime opportunity to showcase their expertise, data, and local knowledge.
Although some may fear the shift from rental reform to renters’ rights, the current proposals largely mirror those of the previous Government.
Currently, there are around 15 households vying for every available rental home. Increased demand will likely drive rents higher.
Cobbold said that the Government must ensure the Bill’s measures do not jeopardize housing supply in the private rented sector.
He 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.”
