Propertymark, the professional body for property agents, has issued a warning that the Government’s Renters’ Rights Bill must strike a fairer balance between tenants, landlords, and agents. As the Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons, Propertymark welcomed the decision not to introduce rent controls but raised concerns about the broader implications of the legislation.
The organization stressed the need for clarity on how the Bill will address the rising demand for rental homes. Additionally, Propertymark emphasized the importance of ensuring local councils are adequately resourced to enforce both existing and new regulations outlined in the legislation.
In its submission, Propertymark urged the Government to consider students’ specific needs and expand protections for shared accommodations. It also recommended the introduction of a national register for short-term lets to help bolster the availability of long-term rental properties.
The professional body committed to further engagement with the Government and plans to submit additional evidence from its members during the committee stage of the Bill’s review. MPs echoed some of Propertymark’s concerns during the second reading, including the absence of an impact assessment for several key changes.
One contentious aspect is the proposed removal of fixed-term tenancies, which some fear could introduce complications and additional costs for both tenants and landlords. Shadow Housing Secretary Kemi Badenoch warned that the Bill risks creating friction between landlords and tenants, despite Housing Secretary Angela Rayner’s assertion that the reforms aim to create “decent, safe, and affordable homes.”
The Renters’ Rights Bill includes provisions to end Section 21 “no fault” evictions, prevent rent bidding wars, and give tenants the right to keep pets, with landlords protected by mandatory pet insurance. Other measures include a Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law, intended to ensure minimum living standards in the private rental sector.
A new digital database will store essential information for landlords, tenants, and councils, alongside the establishment of an ombudsman service for private rented sector landlords. Discrimination against tenants receiving benefits or those with children will also be prohibited, and local councils will see their enforcement powers expanded through enhanced Rent Repayment Orders.
Timothy Douglas, Propertymark’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, raised key concerns about the Bill’s ability to support landlords and agents. “To give more confidence to landlords, the UK Government must outline in detail how they plan to reform the court system and resource local authorities to deal with the changes,” he said.
Douglas also called for the regulation of short-term lets, a review of the tax burden on private landlords, and the retention of fixed-term tenancies to ensure sufficient rental housing supply. He highlighted the potential of the Private Rented Sector Database to streamline processes but cautioned that the success of these measures depends on phasing out local licensing schemes.
As the Bill progresses through Parliament, the property sector will be watching closely to see how these concerns are addressed.