NRLA calls out Housing Minister on courts comments
The NRLA has added its voice to a joint industry letter calling out Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, over his comments branding valid concerns raised over future court capacity 'alarmist'.
During the Committee stage of the Renters' Rights Bill on 5 November, the Minister claimed that these 'alarmist' statements were motivated more by 'fundamental opposition to the abolition of Section 21 and the current tenancy regime than they are by an impartial assessment of court performance'.
The association has now joined forces with the British Property Federation, Goodlord, Propertymark and Leaders Romans Group arguing issues that have been raised by those operating within the private rented sector are well-founded and underpinned by robust evidence.
Specifically it also shows how other groups and organisations, such as the Law Society and the Labour-led Housing Select Committee, have questioned the ability of the court and tribunal system to deal with an increase in possession cases.
The letter cites recently-published Ministry of Justice figures for Q3 2024 which revealed that, on average, it takes approximately 31 weeks following a possession claim for a landlord to recover their property using the Section 8 process - almost eight months.
It makes it clear that all the organisations are eager to work constructively with the Government as it proceeds with the implementation of rental reforms. However it says that to ensure the process is as smooth as possible, it is vital that the Government sets out a clear and comprehensive plan as to what exactly its anticipated improvements to the court system will look like.
The letter also calls on the Government to:
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Outline the system it wants to replace the Section 21 repossession process as soon as possible
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Confirm whether, as suggested recently by an MHCLG official, the implementation period for the Bill will commence two months after the legislation receives Royal Assent.
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Announce when the impact assessment for the Bill will be published, now that the Committee stage of the legislative process has ended.
If you’d like to read the letter in its entirety, you can access it in full here.
More information
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