MPs have batted away last-minute Lords changes to the Renters’ Rights Bill, paving the way for the most radical shake-up of the rental market in decades.
In a fiery Commons clash on Monday 8 September, ministers insisted the Bill must pass at speed—while landlords warned it could send thousands of investors running for the exits.
NO-FAULT EVICTIONS SCRAPPED
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook championed the scrapping of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, calling them a leading cause of homelessness.
“This Bill must receive Royal Assent as soon as possible,” he thundered. “Renters across the country need it.”
But critics accused him of ignoring reality. Paul Johnson, a landlord with four properties in Manchester, fumed: “The abolition of Section 21 without fixing the broken court system is like ripping the brakes off a car. It leaves us exposed if tenants stop paying rent.”
BACKLASH FROM OPPOSITION
Conservative Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly blasted the reforms as “entirely counterproductive,” warning they would “drive landlords out, reduce supply and push up rents.”
Industry insiders lined up to agree. Marc von Grundherr of Benham and Reeves said most landlords were being unfairly “demonised,” while Sian Hemmings of Inventory Base warned only “one in six” were ready for the upheaval.
LORDS OVER-RULED
Peers tried to soften the blow with amendments. One would have let landlords re-let a property after six months if a sale collapsed—but MPs killed it off, keeping the 12-month ban. Another plan for a separate pet deposit was also rejected, despite widespread landlord support.
Instead, the government threw landlords a small bone: a three-month grace period for evictions already in motion, and a carve-out for purpose-built student housing.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR LANDLORDS
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Section 21 axed – no more no-fault evictions, all repossessions must go through the clogged courts.
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End of fixed terms – every tenancy will roll on periodically.
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Rejected landlord asks – no shorter re-let ban, no extra pet deposits.
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New red tape – tougher inspections and Decent Homes rules extended to private rentals.
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Tiny concessions – short eviction window for current cases, exemptions for student digs.
With Royal Assent now just weeks away, Britain’s 2.7 million landlords face a rental revolution. Supporters hail a “new deal for renters.” Landlords call it a ticking time bomb.