Labour MP supports Renters’ Rights Bill despite concern from local landlords and agents

A Labour politician has expressed support for the Renters’ Rights Bill, despite pushback from local landlords and letting agents.

Labour MP for Basingstoke Luke Murphy claims to the Basingstoke Gazette that “tenants do not have control over their homes.”

However, landlords and letting agents in the area have voiced concerns over the bill, particularly over the cost of stricter enforcement rules.

Tenants kicked out with short notice

Mr Murphy told the Basingstoke Gazette: “For too long, we had a rental market where tenants could be kicked out with short notice without thought of eviction, and don’t have enough control over their homes, or pets that they may be able to have in their building or how they decorate.

“But ultimately these are people’s homes, people rent and live here, so I really welcome and back the Labour government’s plan.”

However, a letting agent in the Basingstoke area hit back at the comments and claimed the bill will have a huge impact on landlords.

Andrew Sheldon, sales and letting manager at Martin & Co, in Basingstoke says he is holding an event for landlords to understand how the bill will impact them.

Limits on rent increases are getting worse

In a Facebook post, reported by the Basingstoke Gazette, Mr Sheldon warns: “The new Renters’ Rights Bill will scrap fixed-term tenancies and every tenancy will become periodic. This means tenants can give just two months’ notice at any time, leaving landlords with unexpected voids.

“On top of that, stricter rules on evictions, higher property standards, and limits on rent increases are getting worse, and could cost landlords thousands in fines or lost income.”

Under the Renters’ Rights Bill, landlords will face higher fines with civil penalties for non-compliance, starting at £7,000 and rising to a maximum civil penalty of up to £40,000.

The Labour government says the bill will give tenants more power to challenge excessive rent increases. Landlords will only be allowed to raise rent once a year and must provide tenants with two months’ formal notice using a Section 13 notice.

If tenants believe the proposed increase is above the market rate, they can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal, which will decide the appropriate market rent.

Many landlords are good landlords

Mr Murphy defended the Renters’ Rights Bill and said he hopes landlords will take a positive approach.

He told the Basingstoke Gazette: “I recognise that many landlords are good landlords, and that we have to design a system that works for both good landlords and tenants, and I think this is the system that we are designing.

“But ultimately, this is about providing the very best homes for tenants in Basingstoke, and I think these are positive reforms, which I hope landlords will engage with in a positive manner.”