In a recent analysis conducted by the Renters’ Reform Coalition, it has come to light that five out of the ten Members of Parliament in England with the largest landlord portfolios are actively participating in endeavours to weaken the Renters (Reform) Bill.
The identified MPs – Nick Fletcher, Marco Longhi, Bob Blackman, James Gray, and Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown – are part of a cohort of 40 Conservative backbenchers endorsing amendments that, according to campaigners, have the potential to significantly undermine the bill.
The proposed amendments, put forth by Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall, seek substantial changes to the bill. These changes include permitting the use of ‘hearsay’ evidence in eviction cases related to antisocial behaviour, indefinitely postponing the bill’s implementation, and establishing a minimum six-month occupancy requirement for tenants before they can terminate their tenancy.
Furthermore, the amendments propose the elimination of council licensing schemes aimed at improving housing standards and allowing the continuation of fixed-term tenancies through ‘mutual agreement,’ a move criticized for potentially favouring landlords in tenancy negotiations.
The Renters’ Reform Bill has already undergone modifications to address concerns from landlord associations. These modifications include delaying the abolition of section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions until judicial reforms are implemented and streamlining the process for landlords to evict tenants on grounds of antisocial behaviour.
Despite Housing Secretary Michael Gove reiterating the government’s commitment to banning no-fault evictions before the next General Election, the Renters’ Reform Coalition warns against further concessions to landlord MPs. They caution that such concessions might result in a nominal end to no-fault evictions, allowing landlords to evict tenants at will.
The involvement of landlord MPs in amending the bill raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, particularly as 30% of the MPs supporting the amendments are landlords themselves. This figure is significantly higher than the 17% average among English MPs in the House of Commons.
Tom Darling, campaign manager of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, expressed concern over the MPs’ actions, stating, “It is therefore extremely concerning to see these MPs signing up to amendments that would render significant parts of the legislation pointless.” He emphasized the need for more comprehensive reforms to ensure longer tenancies, higher penalties for unethical landlords, and measures to prevent unaffordable rent increases, which can effectively act as no-fault evictions.