In an ongoing development, government ministers are reportedly in talks with backbench Conservative MPs to dilute proposed safeguards for renters in England. The BBC has obtained details of several draft government amendments to an upcoming bill designed to prohibit landlords from evicting tenants without a justifiable reason.
The amendments were circulated among Tory MPs who had expressed reservations about the bill, advocating for increased rights for landlords. Despite concerns, the government has maintained its commitment to outlawing no-fault evictions by the next election.
The Renters (Reform) Bill, initially introduced in May of last year, seeks to limit landlords’ ability to evict tenants in England to specific circumstances, such as property sale or personal relocation. However, the bill has yet to pass through the House of Commons.
Approximately 50 Conservative MPs, some of whom are landlords themselves, have voiced opposition, fearing that the proposed legislation might lead landlords to sell their properties, thereby reducing the availability of rental accommodations.
Government amendments to the bill were reportedly shared within a WhatsApp group of concerned Tory MPs for approval. One Conservative MP remarked, “Agreement seems to have been reached on nearly all points,” indicating potential consensus among backbenchers.
Tom Darling, campaign manager of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, criticized the government’s approach, stating, “It is scandalous and farcical that the government is now outsourcing the writing of the Renters (Reform) Bill to their landlord backbenchers. It reeks of desperation.”
Among the proposed amendments is a provision that the ban on no-fault evictions would not be implemented until an assessment of its impact on the courts is published by the Justice Secretary. Critics argue that this would further delay the prohibition of such evictions.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove, when questioned about the timeline for ending no-fault evictions, asserted, “We will have outlawed it, and we will have put the money into the courts to ensure that they enforce that.”
Additionally, the government is pledging to review the selective licensing system, which allows councils to regulate landlords and enforce standards. Documents circulated to potential dissenting Tory MPs promised a review with the explicit goal of reducing burdens on landlords.
Other suggested amendments include requiring renters to reside in a property for a minimum of four months before being able to give notice to end their tenancy and allowing “hearsay” evidence in eviction claims related to antisocial behaviour.
In response, a spokesperson for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities emphasized that the Renters (Reform) Bill aims to create a fairer private rented sector for both tenants and landlords. The government continues to engage with various groups representing all stakeholders in the private rented sector.