Renters’ Rights Bill returns for more Lords scrutiny in April

The Renters’ Rights Bill will return to the House of Lords on 22 April.

After the Easter recess, peers will scrutinise the Bill and then debate and finalise adjustments to the legislation over several days.

While sessions are confirmed for 22 and 24 April, additional dates will probably emerge nearer the time.

Landlords can reclaim properties

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is championing two key changes focused on rent defaults.

These tweaks aim to reassure landlords that they can quickly reclaim their property if tenants stop paying rent.

Lord Carter of Haslemere has put forward a proposal to retain the current two-month limit for triggering possession when the bill takes effect.

However, he also wants an exemption for arrears built up as a result of issues with Universal Credit payments.

Pre-tribunal process for rent hikes

The NRLA is pushing for further refinements to ensure the legislation balances fairness with practicality.

One idea involves creating a pre-tribunal evaluation process for rent hikes.

That would be developed alongside the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to provide guidance on local market rates.

Another suggestion allows landlords to request an upfront payment as a tenancy condition.

Plus, the organisation wants to reinstate the two-month arrears threshold for mandatory eviction proceedings.

RRB issues for student lets

For student lettings, the NRLA wants to broaden the possession criteria to cover one- and two-bedroom properties and permit termly rent payments instead of monthly ones.

Also, the association is urging for a rollout strategy which includes a plan for the justice system.

Since its last Lords airing on 4 February, the bill has attracted 50 pages of proposed revisions.

The NRLA says: “Following Committee Stage, there will be another two stages in the Lords before the Bill returns to the Commons for agreement ahead of Royal Assent.

“This is expected to be this summer.

“After that, secondary legislation will need to be published to fill in details of key elements of the Bill before it comes into force; for example, secondary legislation will be needed to confirm what must be included in the written statement required for all periodic tenancies.”