Renters (Reform) Bill Second Reading: A closer look at the debate and NRLA’s campaign successes
After significant delays to the progress of the Renters (Reform) Bill, the legislation was finally debated for the first time in the House of Commons this week. Here, we delve deeper into the Bill’s second reading and outline how the NRLA’s effective campaigning has shaped the Government’s plans to reform the sector. We also consider what changes are still needed.
This week, the Renters (Reform) Bill received its second reading, a stage in the Bill’s passage through parliament that allows MPs to debate the proposals for the first time.
Housing Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, opened by expressing his thanks to the NRLA, which, he stated, had "supported me and the Department in framing this legislation”.
He also thanked NRLA Chief Executive, Ben Beadle, and the association for the consistent work undertaken to ensure that the voice of landlords is heard.
In his statement to the House, the Secretary of State reiterated the Government's commitment to reform the private rented sector (PRS).
He confirmed the Government would propose a new ground for possession for student landlords and improvements to the courts before abolishing Section 21 – key NRLA campaigning calls.
The Shadow Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner MP, confirmed the Labour Party’s support for the Bill but argued that there can be "no more dither and delay in ending no-fault evictions."
She also called for the introduction of a Decent Homes Standard for the PRS and stated that the Government must address potential loopholes in the proposed reforms.
Campaigning success
Following the publication of the ‘A Fairer Private Rented Sector’ White Paper in June 2022, the NRLA outlined five key asks of the Government designed to maintain landlords' confidence to remain in the sector.
Three of these asks – ending anti-landlord rhetoric, implementing court reforms, and addressing the issues that may arise in the student housing market as a result of the loss of fixed-term tenancies – were acknowledged during the debate.
The Government’s tone toward the sector has shifted significantly as the Secretary of State recognised the importance of the PRS to the economy and the fact that the overwhelming majority of private landlords provide an excellent service.
This change in rhetoric is a testament to the vital work the NRLA has done to champion the sector and engage with the Government to ensure that landlords are viewed as part of the solution to the UK’s housing issues, rather than the problem.
Alongside the commitment to court reform before the abolition of Section 21 and the introduction of a new ground for possession for student landlords, the debate showed the impact that NRLA campaigning has had on the shape of the Bill.
What next?
With the Bill’s second reading complete, it will now advance to committee stage, where a cross-party group of MPs will be formed to review the legislation in fine detail.
The committee will thoroughly examine each line of the Bill and issue a call for evidence, providing an opportunity to suggest improvements and propose new clauses. After hearing the evidence, the committee will engage in debates and vote on any proposed changes.
It is likely that we will witness significant alterations to the Bill during committee stage. The NRLA will provide evidence to ensure that changes proposed do not undermine landlord confidence further and that the Bill as amended supports responsible landlords.
The coming weeks also provide an opportunity to seek further clarity on the Government's proposals and the reassurances provided by the Secretary of State at the NRLA's 2023 National Conference regarding improvements to the court system.
The committee stage is due to be completed by Tuesday 5th December.
More information
• The NRLA offers a range of resources to keep its members informed about the Bill, which includes a variety of FAQs. To access the members-only hub, please click here.
• We also recommend that you closely monitor our news site and social media channels, as we will regularly post updates on the latest developments.
• To read the transcript of the Second Reading of the Renters (Reform) Bill, please click here.
• For more information on how the Renters (Reform) Bill will become law, please click here
