Student landlords in England will be keenly watching the return of the
Renters’ Rights Bill to the Lords next month with amendments that could
impact the student accommodation sector.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is pushing for tweaks
to make the proposed law practical and
balanced for student accommodation landlords.
It wants changes to the student possession ground with an extension of the
ground allowing it to be applied to one- and two-bedroom student homes.
The organisation is also calling for students to have the ability to pay
rent by term, rather than monthly.
It says these changes will make the Bill ‘fair and workable in practice.’
Evaluate rent rises
Beyond student accommodation, the NRLA wants a streamlined system to
evaluate rent rises before they spiral into tribunal battles.
It says that working with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) would provide
clarity on fair market rates, sparing landlords and tenants costly
disputes.
In a bid to tackle rent arrears, the NRLA is suggesting an upfront rent
payment as a tenancy condition and restoring the two-month arrears trigger
for mandatory possession proceedings.
The NRLA
says: “Lord Carter of Haslemere proposes the existing (two month) threshold
remains when the Renters’ Rights Bill comes into force, in line with our
recommendations, as well as a caveat that would exempt arrears built up as a
result of issues with Universal Credit payments.
“We have also called for a full implementation plan for the changes being
brought forward in the Bill – and a clear plan for the justice system – to
ensure it has the confidence of landlords and tenants.”
More Bill amendments
The Lords’ debate is scheduled for 22 and 24 April with more dates likely
and there’s already a promise of a robust debate.
Since its last Lords airing on 4 February, the Bill has ballooned with 50
pages of amendments.
Each will face thorough discussion, with peers free to weigh in at length.
After this stage, two more Lords hurdles await before the Commons gives its
approval, potentially by summer.
Then, secondary laws will be needed to flesh out specifics, such as what
landlords must include in periodic tenancy statements, before the Bill
becomes law.
Amendment could impact student landlords
Another amendment to the Bill which might impact some student landlords is
that they won’t be able to refuse a tenant wanting to upgrade to fibre
broadband in their home.
Mirroring the new pet-friendly rules, landlords won’t be able to
‘unreasonably refuse’ a tenant’s request for high-speed internet upgrades.
A government spokesperson told Accommodation for Students: “We are
determined to close the digital divide and ensure everyone has access to
fast and reliable broadband, no matter where they live or work.
“Our Renters’ Rights Bill will transform the experience of private renting,
and we will respond to the amendment in due course, while we continue to
work with operators, landowners, housing associations and local authorities
on this important issue.”
‘Seismic shift for student landlords’
Simon Thompson, the managing director of Accommodation for Students, said:
“The Renters’ Rights Bill promises a seismic shift for student landlords in
England.
“With the NRLA championing practical fixes, like termly rent payments and
broader possession rights, the legislation could ease the unique pressures
of letting to students.
“Add in streamlined rent reviews, arrears safeguards and a fresh mandate
for fibre broadband, and the student rental landscape is poised for
transformation.”
He added: “As the Bill nears Royal Assent, those in the student housing
sector will be watching keenly and be getting ready to adapt to a different
but, hopefully, workable future.”
