UK landlords should prepare for a shift in how they manage tenancies, given how the Renters’ Rights Bill is rapidly moving through parliament, according to Allison Thompson of property services group LRG.
She also expressed disappointment that issues around court delays – as it’s taking landlords many months to evict tenants – aren’t being addressed in the bill.
The Renters’ Rights Bill has now completed its Committee Stage in the House of Lords, leaving just the Report Stage and Third Reading before it gets Royal Assent.
Allison Thompson said: “As the Renters’ Rights Bill completes its committee stage in the House of Lords, 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. Instead, we are seeing significant changes pushed through with limited clarity on how they will work in practice.
“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.”
The bill will see fixed tenancies be replaced by periodic, new rules around pets, the establishment of a decent homes standard, as well as the elimination of Section 21 evictions.
Thompson added: “Landlords should begin preparing for a shift in how they manage tenancies. The removal of fixed terms, changes to rent increase processes and new responsibilities around pets and damp mean that tenancy agreements will need updating.
“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.
“We urge the government to continue working with the sector to ensure the transition is fair and effective. Reform must be more than a political milestone, it must work on the ground for those providing and living in rented homes.”