The NRLA’s Renters’ Reform Bill proposals were debated this week at the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Private Rented Sector.
The proposals were presented by NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle to an audience of more than 40 cross party politicians and industry figures.
Other panellists at the event included Charlie Trew, Head of Policy at Shelter and housing expert Dr Julie Rugg. Those in attendance included the former Cabinet Minister, Lord Tebbit, the Chairman of the APGG for Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Sir Peter Bottomley and the former Housing Minister Lord Young.
The APPG provides a chance for Parliamentarians to ensure they have a well-rounded understanding of the challenges facing the sector and are well briefed on the possible solutions.
The NRLA’s proposals were well received – with a lot of agreement around the association’s conciliation service plans – which would take pressure off the courts.
There was also a consensus that it would be advisable for the Bill to be initially published by the Government in draft form, to allow for debate and consultation ahead of changes being brought in.
Ben Beadle said: “The changes that will be included in the Bill – including the loss of section 21 repossession rights - will be the biggest to hit the sector in 30 years.
“With this in mind it is vital the Government gets it right the first time so that any new legislation works for both landlords and tenants.
“There was some very constructive debate and discussion about how the new system could operate and we were pleased our proposals attracted such positive feedback.
“The APPG will be producing recommendations to government shortly which will be signed off by all members and we are confident they will take many of our recommendations on board.”
The Government has yet to publish the Bill, but has announced it will include the abolition of Section 21 repossessions – so called ‘no fault’ evictions, improvements to the court process and the introduction of lifetime deposits, amongst other changes.
The NRLA’s response outlines how these changes could be introduced while protecting the rights of landlords to repossess in legitimate circumstances and protecting tenants from the practices of those landlords who bring the sector into disrepute.
To read the NRLA recommendations in full click here.