Renters’ Rights Bill does not protect tenants only council budgets warns expert

A landlord compliance expert warns the Renters’ Rights Bill is being mis-sold to the public as protecting tenants, but instead is protecting council budgets through tougher civil penalties.

Des Taylor from Landlord Licensing & Defence says landlords could face waiting 12 to 16 months to gain back possession of their property under the Renters’ Rights Bill, while councils will line their coffers with increased income through tougher regulations.

MPs have approved the final version of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which will now head to Royal Assent.

The true reality of the bill

Mr Taylor says the reality of the bill is very different to what the Labour government claim it to be.

He said: “The Renters’ Rights Bill isn’t about protecting tenants, it’s about protecting council budgets. Behind the headlines of ‘fairness’ and ‘balance’ lies a different reality: More powers. More penalties. Longer voids. Less control.

“Landlords are being boxed in with restrictions that benefit only one group, and it’s not the renters. This bill isn’t what they’re telling you.”

He adds with the abolition of Section 21, landlords will be forced onto a much slower Section 8 process to regain possession.

He said: “Landlords could be waiting 12 to 16 months to recover a property from a non-paying tenant.

“In that time, councils save money on emergency housing because tenants technically remain ‘housed’, even if they’re months in arrears. It’s a cynical fix for a broken social housing system.”

Every new power comes with a price tag

Landlords also face the risk of financial penalties for minor breaches, with councils able to issue civil penalties under the bill between £5,000 and £25,000.

For serious or repeated offences, councils can issue civil penalties of £40,000.

Mr Taylor believes the bill’s deeper purpose is to widen the enforcement net for councils.

He said: “Every new power comes with a price tag, and that price will be paid by landlords through fines and by tenants through higher rents.

“It’s being dressed up as tenant protection, but really it’s a mechanism for councils to collect income while claiming moral virtue.”

Landlord Licensing & Defence also warns that tenants will be the ones losing out under the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Mr Taylor explains: “Tenants in arrears may lose the most. Once a landlord has to rely on Section 8, councils can claim the tenant made themselves intentionally homeless.

“That means no housing duty owed, no emergency accommodation and no help. It’s a quiet but devastating policy trick.”

Stay vigilant ahead of the bill becoming law

Mr Taylor urges landlords and letting agents to stay vigilant ahead of the bill becoming law.

He said: “This legislation changes the relationship between landlords, tenants and the state.

“We’re moving towards a system of revenue-focused enforcement, not fair regulation. Every landlord should read the fine print and prepare accordingly.”

For support and advice for landlords defending enforcement penalties, including Rent Repayment Orders and HMO planning issues, click here or contact Landlord Licensing & Defence on 0208 088 8393.