MPs urged to strike the right balance on Renters' Rights Bill
With the second reading for the Renters' Rights Bill set to take place later today, MPs have the opportunity to scrutinise the various proposals contained within the draft legislation.
As many will be aware, the Bill represents a hugely significant change for both landlords and tenants, on everything ranging from the future of section 21, through to the extension of the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector.
Prior to the second reading, our Policy & Campaigns Director Chris Norris offers his views on what steps the NRLA believes the Government must take to ensure it is effective and works in the interests of both landlords and tenants.
Ahead of this afternoon's debate, Chris Norris, Campaigns & Policy Director at the National Residential Landlords Association said:
“The changes MPs will debate are the biggest shake up of the rental market for over 30 years. The proposed reforms need to secure the confidence of both tenants and responsible landlords if they are to work.
“Whilst the Bill should ensure that every tenant can live securely in decent housing, it should also avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
“Private tenants are more likely to be happy with the housing services provided to them than all other tenures, with 82 per cent reporting satisfaction with their accommodation. The reality is that the vast majority of tenants already have a good relationship with their landlord. This should be the norm for everyone in the sector.
“Most importantly, with an average of 21 tenants now competing for every available home to rent, the Bill must not worsen an already chronic shortage of homes in the sector. All this would do is weaken tenants’ purchasing power, making it more difficult for them to hold rogue and criminal landlords to account as a result.”
-ENDS-
Notes
• According to the most recent figures in the 2022/23 English Housing Survey:
- 82% of private sector tenants are satisfied with their accommodation, compared to 74% saying the same in the social rented sector.
- 76% of private sector tenants are satisfied with the housing services provided to them compared to 64% of social sector tenants and 51% of owner occupier leaseholders.
• Further information about the NRLA can be found at www.nrla.org.uk. It posts on X @NRLAssociation.
• The NRLA’s press office can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or by calling 0300 131 6363.
