Landlords need more clarity over the Renters’ Rights Bill

With just a few of the more than 280 amendments being taken up for the Renters’ Rights Bill, more clarity on its impact is needed, says one industry leader.

Allison Thompson, the national lettings managing director at LRG, says she is disappointed that so few amendments to improve the Bill have been added.

She says that the Bill needs to work for landlords and practical guidance on its impact is needed.

Ms Thompson was speaking after the Bill cleared its Committee Stage in the House of Lords.

It is heading for the Report Stage in the coming weeks.

Practical amendments ignored

Ms Thompson said: “It is disappointing to see that so few of the 280-plus amendments have been taken on board.

“Many of these proposals were practical and proportionate, offering a better path to balanced reform.

“This was a real opportunity to address concerns about court delays, fixed-term tenancies and the risks of rushed implementation.”

She added: “Instead, we are seeing significant changes pushed through with limited clarity on how they will work in practice.”

Changes need to work

Ms Thompson continued: “We support the principle of reform, particularly when it comes to improving safety, fairness and transparency for tenants.

“But these changes will only succeed if they are workable for landlords too.

“What we need now is clarity, consistency and practical guidance.”

She adds: “Landlords should begin preparing for a shift in how they manage tenancies.”

Contracts will need updating

Essentially, landlords need to prepare for the removal of fixed term tenancies, changes to rent increase processes and new responsibilities around pets and damp.

That means that tenancy agreements will need updating.

She adds: “Rent guarantee insurance and legal cover should also be reviewed, as many existing policies may not reflect the new legal environment.

“And with more pressure on local enforcement and court systems, working with a qualified, regulated letting agent has never been more important.”