NRLA cited in new Section 21 debate

NRLA messaging is getting through where it matters, with the association's campaigns work cited numerous times in a Westminster Hall debate on the proposed end of Section 21 repossessions.

The association sent an in-depth briefing to Ministers ahead of the debate on Tuesday, outlining areas of concern for landlords, specifically issues around anti-social tenants and the impact of the proposed loss of the fixed term on student landlords.

Kevin Hollinrake MP, Conservative member for Thirsk and Malton warned of the potential unintended consequences of ending Section 21, especially the impact on supply in the PRS and echoed the NRLA’s calls for a reversal of recent changes to mortgage interest relief.

Labour MP for Hammersmith Andy Slaughter cited the NRLA’s briefing, noting ‘70% of landlords could envisage operating without Section 21’ (provided they had confidence in other proposals in the White Paper such as promised court reforms and the reformed grounds for repossession.)

He went on to say the NRLA had provided ‘a very thoughtful briefing for this debate.’ He continued: “As a body, it is helpful in engaging with people, including with tenants’ organisations and trying to represent decent landlords in that way—all their members probably are decent landlords, because indecent landlords would probably not be members of the NRLA.

“It specifically mentioned improving tenants’ access to legal support. That is absolutely vital, whereas other things that the Government are doing are not.”

He later added: “The other issues that the NRLA raised are local housing allowance and Universal Credit, including the delay in paying Universal Credit, and the gap between what housing allowance gives and the actual cost of properties.

“Those are all legitimate points. If the Government think they will get a big tick from the private rented sector—any part of it—simply by dealing with the Section 21 issue, I need to disabuse the Minister of that notion.”

He concluded his remarks by saying: “The Government need to look at this sector in the round. They cannot just say, “We will do one or two piecemeal things”. They cannot tinker with the housing market; it needs full, wholesale reform.”

During the debate the (then) Minister for the Private Rented Sector, Andrew Stephenson MP publicly recognised the issues the NRLA has flagged within Rental Reform White Paper, especially around anti-social behaviour and student tenancies.

He said: “The vast majority of tenants abide by the rules, but landlords have told us how difficult it is to act when they are unfortunate enough to have an anti-social tenant.” He continued: “We will explore prioritising those cases in court so that communities do not have to suffer for longer than necessary.

“We are working across Government to develop guidance for landlords on identifying and addressing anti-social behaviour, and we welcome further input from hon. Members on what we can do to further support landlords with anti-social tenants.

“Alongside that, we will continue to listen to landlords who provide much-needed accommodation for the thousands of students across the UK every year, to ensure that the sector continues to work for those in higher education.

He also reiterated the Government’s commitment to reforming the court process and prioritising the most serious cases.

Commons Briefing

The NRLA was also quoted in a House of Commons Library briefing entitled ‘The end of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions’ which outlined the association’s arguments about what needs to happen before Section 21 goes.

It said: “The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) argues a reformed and improved court system which has bedded-in, together with improvements to the grounds for possession, should be introduced before Section 21 is amended or abolished.

“Landlord organisations contend there is a risk of landlords leaving the sector, which could reduce access to housing for those who cannot afford to buy and who cannot access social rented housing.”

NRLA Chief Executive Ben Beadle said: “We are delighted that the Minister has listened to what we have to say and recognised that the problems we have flagged are real sticking points when it comes to the Government’s proposals.

“It is also positive to note that members of the opposition can see the complexity of the issues at play here.

“The comments in the debate and the House of Commons Library briefing show our messages are getting through where it matters.

“We look forward to working with Ministers to ensure that proposals for reform work for landlords and tenants – something that’s necessary if the sector is to continue to provide the homes to rent that the country so desperately needs.”

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