Government bows to MPs and ‘waters down’ the Renters (Reform) Bill

The government is proposing changes to the Renters (Reform) Bill in a bid to head off a backbench rebellion of its MPS, the BBC reports.

The Bill, which will see Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions abolished, could see a major makeover.

According to the BBC, ministers have been consulting with Conservative MPs who are critical of the bill and have circulated draft amendments that would see some of the Bill’s controversial aspects being watered down. These amendments apparently include:

• Minimum tenancy period: Requiring renters to live in a property for at least four months before they can give notice
• Hearsay evidence: Allowing ‘hearsay’ evidence in eviction claims related to antisocial behaviour.

‘End the use of fixed term tenancies and no-fault repossessions’

The chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), Ben Beadle, said: “We have long accepted that the Government has a mandate to end the use of fixed term tenancies and no-fault repossessions.

“Our focus has, and continues to be, on developing a replacement system that is fair and workable for tenants and responsible landlords. This need not be a zero-sum game between the two.”

He added: “The NRLA has consistently campaigned for the Bill to balance the protections promised to tenants and the legitimate business needs of landlords to enable them to continue to provide rented homes.

“If the Government is considering amendments that would provide for assurances to landlords with a six-month minimum term and ensure confidence for all in the court process, then that balance would be struck.”

Government’s commitment to banning Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions

Michael Gove has recently expressed the government’s commitment to banning Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions before the next election, however, the proposed changes reflect the pressure it faces from within its own party.

The Renters’ Reform Bill, introduced last year, has faced opposition from around 50 Conservative MPs, including those who are landlords.

They argue that the bill could discourage landlords from renting out properties, ultimately reducing the number of available rental homes.

One Conservative MP told the BBC that ‘agreement seems to have been reached on nearly all points’ regarding the amendments.

Critics say the proposed changes could significantly impact the Bill’s effectiveness in protecting tenants in England.

‘Unacceptable for tenants to be treated as an afterthought’

The chief executive of Generation Rent, Ben Twomey, said: “It is unacceptable for tenants to be treated as an afterthought around reforms which we were told would help us.

“We will not stand by while the new law to protect and empower renters is transformed into a Landlord’s Bill of Rights.

“If the government really is going to water down the Bill even further, England’s 12 million private renters deserve to know why.”

He added: “In particular, weakening licensing schemes could compromise the safety of renters.

“These schemes give councils some of the strongest powers to tackle criminal landlords and sub-standard, dangerous homes. The plan to trap tenants in properties for six months, making it much more difficult for them to leave sub-standard or mis-sold homes, is another measure that undermines tenant welfare.”

‘Yet another betrayal of renters’

Angela Rayner, the deputy Labour leader and shadow housing secretary accused the government of ‘yet another betrayal of renters’, and this was ‘yet another example of Rishi Sunak’s weakness which means he always puts party before country’.

She also called for a government statement to be made, claiming the news had emerged in an ‘underhand way’.

Labour has promised to ban no-fault evictions if it wins the next general election.

A spokesperson for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: “Our landmark Renters (Reform) Bill will deliver a fairer private rented sector for both tenants and landlords. It will abolish section 21 evictions – giving people more security in their homes and empowering them to challenge poor practices.

“We continue to meet regularly with a range of groups, representing all those in the private rented sector.”