NRLA backs key changes to Renters' Rights Bill to help student landlords
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has praised a series of amendments to the Renters' Rights Bill. These changes, spearheaded by Baroness Taylor, the housing minister in the Lords, aim to safeguard landlords' interests during the legislative transition and beyond.
One critical modification addresses the timing of possession claims.
Previously, landlords serving notice under Section 21 or Section 8 before the Bill's enactment faced a tight three-month window to initiate court proceedings.
Implement the possession process
The NRLA says the revision will allow landlords to utilise a valid notice to approach the court at any point during the transition period.
This will help alleviate the pressure on overburdened courts and ensure landlords retain control over their claims, preventing potential dismissals due to judicial delays.
The organisation's head of policy, James Wood, said: "This would mean that - through no fault of their own - landlords could have had their cases thrown out because the courts didn't process the paperwork in time."
He added: "While hundreds of amendments have already been proposed the fact that this adjustment [and others] has been put forward by Baroness Taylor, means it will almost certainly be included in the final version of the Bill."
Student housing impact
The impact of the Bill on student housing has also been a focal point.
The NRLA emphasises the necessity for all student properties, not just Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), to benefit from the student possession ground (ground 4A).
An amendment by Lord Willetts seeks to extend this protection, warning that excluding smaller student properties could force up to a third of such properties out of the sector.
That would, the organisation says, restrict access to higher education for many students.
Guarantee a six-month term
Other amendments to the Bill tackle other concerns, including debt management and tenancy stability.
Lord Carter of Haslemere's proposals to maintain the two-month arrears threshold and eliminate a problematic clause on delayed Universal Credit payments have received NRLA backing.
These changes aim to balance tenant and landlord protections while reducing administrative burdens on the judiciary.
Lord Truscott's suggestion to implement a four-month notice restriction at the start of tenancies, effectively guaranteeing a minimum six-month term, is another welcome change.
This measure promises greater predictability for landlords, helping financial planning and maintenance scheduling.
Also, the NRLA is welcoming Baroness Wolf's initiative to allow tenants to verify rent increases with the Valuation Office Agency could streamline disputes, filtering out unfounded challenges.
Baroness Thornhill's call for a government review of Tribunal resources underscores the need for adequate support to handle potential surges in rent appeals.
Help for student landlords
The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said: "For student landlords, the proposed amendments to the Renters' Rights Bill signal a transformative shift, balancing reform with practicality.
"The NRLA has championed changes that should ensure stability and fairness."
He added: "It is important to extend ground 4A to all student properties, since excluding smaller student homes from this safeguard would be unfair.
"We should also encourage longer tenancies for the student sector which will allow landlords to breathe and plan without the constant threat of sudden vacancies."
Bill back for debate
As the Renters' Rights Bill heads back to the Lords on 22 April for its Committee Stage, that’s when the 200 amendments which have been tabled will be debated, the NRLA continues to advocate for practical and proportionate reforms to the private rented sector.
For student landlords wanting a more in-depth explanation of the changes - and what they will mean - can watch this NRLA video.
