Backbench MPs push back against Renters’ Reform Bill

Backbench MPs push back against Renters’ Reform Bill

0:01 AM, 19th September 2023, About 7 months ago 8

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The Renters Reform Bill may not see ‘the light of day before the end of the year’ according to new reports.

Backbench MPs continue to push against the bill as parliamentary sitting days become scarce.

Parliament is currently in recess due to party conference season and when MPs return on the 15th of October there is only a limited window  for the second reading, before the Kings Speech on the 7th of November.

Incredible resistance from MPs

Sources from the department told the Telegraph they are confident a reading will happen before the King’s Speech at the beginning of November.

However, industry sources say Number 10 is “less confident”. One industry source said Downing Street is concerned about the lack of available sitting days before the King’s Speech.

One MP told the Telegraph that a huge number of backbench MPs are against the Renters’ Reform Bill which could delay the second reading even further.

“There’s incredible resistance from certain MPs and has been growing since the Bill had its first reading. Until such time as everyone is assuaged, it’s not going to get very far.”

The Financial Times also reports that five of the 16 members in the government whips’ office, which decides what bills are tabled for further readings, own rental property.

Swathes of landlords to exit to the market

Backbench Tory MPs fear the scrapping of Section 21 could prompt swathes of landlords to exit the market, which they would lead to a full-blown housing crisis.

A spokesperson for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities told the Telegraph: “The government remains absolutely committed to delivering a fairer private rented sector for tenants and landlords through the Renters Reform Bill.

“The bill which delivers our manifesto commitment is progressing through parliament and second reading will follow shortly.”

Number 10 declined to comment.


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Comments

Teessider

13:22 PM, 19th September 2023, About 7 months ago

The Renters (Reform) Bill doesn’t fix the problem. It’s a poorly though-out pile of p## created by incompetent politicians pandering to the electorate.

It doesn’t even end ‘no-fault’ evictions.

Many of the current bunch of MPs will depend much more heavily on their rental income after the next election. I’ll be stopping up to watch the results come in 🙂 .

Dennis Leverett

14:26 PM, 19th September 2023, About 7 months ago

Feel sorry for those poor MP's who have to choose between going for votes or their own interests, stuff the rest of us. I need a tissue to wipe away the tears, laughter not sorrow.

homemaker

14:43 PM, 19th September 2023, About 7 months ago

This does make me feel a little more sanguine about the housing situation and democracy in action. Maybe it's a turning point. I understand the pressure groups and their concerns about tenant security, but the abolition of section 21 does make the whole process of letting a valuable asset to someone you know little about significantly more risky, and ultimately is a disincentive to investment. Hopefully, some politicians will also recognise that to improve the quality of homes landlords need financial resources. The removal of section 24 and the 3% STLC surcharge would certainly help.

Stella

18:54 PM, 19th September 2023, About 7 months ago

Reply to the comment left by at 19/09/2023 - 14:43
Perhaps some of these MP's are beginning to understand how much chaos this bill will cause especially the removal of section 21
The knock on effect will be a big reduction in the value of rented property especially when there is no sensible way of getting vacant possession without going through the court system.
This will cost loads of money and no guarantee that a lefty judge will grant possession.
What are the incentives for landlords!

Reluctant Landlord

9:20 AM, 20th September 2023, About 7 months ago

I see the start of a fall in the house of cards....hopefully!

Fed Up Landlord

7:42 AM, 23rd September 2023, About 7 months ago

EPC "C" - Gone.

Rent Reform Act- Stuck in mud.Hopefully scrapped.

Now all we need is Section 24 and Tenant Fee Act repealed.

Finally the penny is beginning to drop in the Conwokeservative Party.

Old Mrs Landlord

8:39 AM, 23rd September 2023, About 7 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Teessider at 19/09/2023 - 13:22With regard to your final point that many current MPs will be relying on their rental income after the next G.E., do bear in mind also that in many cases they are letting out their own residence while they rent a home convenient for Westminster at tax-payers' expense. Without Section 21 they will be homeless and need to go through a lengthy and expensive court eviction process before they have somewhere to live after losing their seats. Faced with a taste of their own medicine they become less enthusiastic about the legislation.

Darren Sullivan

11:26 AM, 29th September 2023, About 7 months ago

I urge the government to keep Section 21 it gets the job done and give tenants plenty of time to move. If you wanted to tinker with it perhaps give tenants 6 months to move instead.if it’s not broke don’t fix it.

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