MPs will consider amendments made by the House of Lords to the Renters’ Rights Bill on Monday 8th September, with Propertymark calling on legislators in the Commons to retain key changes to ensure the legislation works for both landlords and tenants.
One of the trade body’s central demands is for Ground 4A to be extended to all student properties, not just houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
Propertymark argued this would provide greater stability in the student rental sector and safeguard the supply of accommodation.
Under Ground 4A, landlords of student HMOs are allowed to reclaim their properties at the end of an academic year in order to prepare them for the next cohort.
The Government has already removed a controversial requirement in the Bill for mandatory pet insurance, but Propertymark said more needs to be done to make pet ownership viable in rental homes.
The organisation is urging MPs to allow landlords to request an additional deposit of up to three weeks’ rent to cover potential pet damage.
According to its research, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 has acted as a barrier to pet-friendly renting, with one in five landlords who previously accepted pets no longer doing so since the Act came into force.
More than half (57%) of landlords and agents reported they were unable to recover the cost of pet-related damage under the current deposit cap.
Another proposed amendment would allow landlords to relet a property six months after a failed sale, rather than waiting a full year.
Propertymark said this would prevent homes from being left empty unnecessarily and help ease pressures in the private rented sector.
The trade body has also pushed for the Tenant Fees Act to be incorporated into the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008.
This would allow the Primary Authority scheme to provide lettings agents with assured advice on compliance, ensuring consistency across local authorities.
Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, said: “Despite extensive campaigning from Propertymark and others, it is disappointing that the UK Government haven’t accepted more changes to ensure the legislation is fair for both landlords and tenants.
“However, MPs now have a final opportunity to retain the proposed changes passed in the House of Lords when the Renters’ Rights Bill returns to the House of Commons. These are practical amendments that ensure the legislation is fair and evidence based.
“They are vital to ensure the regulations aren’t overly restrictive, prevent a reduction in the supply of rental homes and do not drive up rent prices, which would make it even more difficult for people to find affordable housing.”
