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Amendments to the Renters (Reform) Bill have been tabled in order to protect the interests of landlords.
This comes ahead of the Bill’s report stage.
It was initially introduced to parliament for its first reading in May 2023 - 8 months ago.
Proposed changes to the Renters (Reform) Bill
Proposed changes by Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall include ensuring tenants cannot give notice to leave a property unless they have been in it for a minimum of four months when their lease expires.
This is based on recommendations from the Cross-Party Housing Select Committee.
This intends to give landlords a degree of certainty when bringing tenants into a property.
It has also been suggested that texts or emails from neighbours should be considered evidence in court when assessing antisocial behaviour.
Other amendments
Another proposal includes ending landlord licensing schemes once the national property portal has been established.
As well as extending the proposed ground for possession from multiple occupation houses to include one and two-bed student properties.
There will also be a review of the operation of possession proceedings before Section 21 is abolished.
Previously, housing secretary, Michael Gove, had pledged to abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions through the Renters (Reform) Bill.
However, the abolition of Section 21 is now likely to be delayed until the court system has been reformed.
Further thoughts on the Renters (Reform) Bill
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) have urged MPs to back the amendments.
They wish to ensure that the bill works for both tenants and landlords.
Ben Beadle, Chief executive of the NRLA, said: “We accept that Section 21 is going and agree that tenants need to feel empowered to challenge the actions of rogue and criminal landlords.
"However, amid a supply crisis in the rental market, it is vital that the bill has the confidence of responsible landlords."
“These pragmatic changes would go a long way towards striking the balance between the needs of renters and the majority of landlords who do right by their tenants.”
Find more information about the Renters (Reform) Bill here.
