Renters’ Rights Bill parliamentary progress
The Renters’ Rights Bill has completed its Committee Stage in the House of Lords and will move on to the Report Stage imminently.
Allison Thompson, National Lettings Managing Director of LRG, comments on the progress of the Bill:
“As the Renters’ Rights Bill completes its committee stage in the House of Lords, it is disappointing to see that so few of the 280-plus amendments have been taken on board. Many of these proposals were practical and proportionate, offering a better path to balanced reform. This was a real opportunity to address concerns about court delays, fixed-term tenancies and the risks of rushed implementation. Instead, we are seeing significant changes pushed through with limited clarity on how they will work in practice.
“We support the principle of reform, particularly when it comes to improving safety, fairness and transparency for tenants. But these changes will only succeed if they are workable for landlords too. What we need now is clarity, consistency and practical guidance.
“Landlords should begin preparing for a shift in how they manage tenancies. The removal of fixed terms, changes to rent increase processes and new responsibilities around pets and damp mean that tenancy agreements will need updating. Rent guarantee insurance and legal cover should also be reviewed, as many existing policies may not reflect the new legal environment. And with more pressure on local enforcement and court systems, working with a qualified, regulated letting agent has never been more important.
“We urge the government to continue working with the sector to ensure the transition is fair and effective. Reform must be more than a political milestone, it must work on the ground for those providing and living in rented homes.”