MPs urged to strike the right balance on Renters' Rights Bill
The second reading of the Renters' Rights Bill will take place later today, giving MPs the opportunity to scrutinise proposals outlined in the draft legislation.
The Bill will bring with it the biggest changes the sector has seen in generations, including plans to abolish section 21 and fixed terms teanncies.
Ahead of the debate NRLA Policy and Campaigns Director Chris Norris 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.”
