Plans to reform the private rented sector will not work unless the Government gives clear answers to basic questions, according to landlord and letting agent groups.
The British Property Federation, National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and the Lettings Industry Council wrote to Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, warning that ministers have not addressed key concerns as the Renters’ Rights Bill moves through the House of Lords from 1st July.
The organisations said there is still no detail on how courts will handle the impact of the reforms, especially around how long it will take to process legitimate possession claims.
They also raised issues with plans to let tenants challenge rent increases at tribunal, saying there is no reliable single source of data to decide what market rents are in any area, so it is not possible to judge if a rent hike is above market rate.
Further concerns were raised over proposals to make it harder for landlords to repossess properties when rent arrears are due to delayed benefit payments.
The letter also said there is no clarity on when changes to rental tenancies will start after the Bill becomes law, which is needed for a smooth transition.
Ben Beadle, CEO of the NRLA, Melanie Leech, CEO of the British Property Federation, and Theresa Wallace, chair of the Lettings Industry Council, said: “We remain extremely disappointed by the lack of substantive responses to the concerns we have consistently raised with ministers.
“We want the Bill to work in practice and enjoy the confidence of good landlords.
“However, unless clear answers to the issues we have raised are forthcoming from the Government, those very landlords have every reason to be concerned.”
