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.
