NRLA urges government to support key amendments to Renters' Rights Bill
Mortgage brokers servicing buy-to-let clients may soon see shifts in investor behaviour, as landlord groups warn that proposed rental reforms could destabilise the sector unless practical changes are made.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is pressing the government to support critical amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill, which enters its committee stage in the House of Lords next week.
The association argues that, without changes, the legislation — particularly the removal of Section 21 evictions — could burden the legal system, disrupt student lets, and drive cautious investors away from higher-risk tenants.
Among the amendments the NRLA supports is a call by Liberal Democrat peers for a formal review of the bill’s potential strain on the courts. Landlords will be forced to rely on possession proceedings more often, particularly in cases involving rent arrears or antisocial behaviour — issues that already take more than seven months on average to resolve. Delays in repossession could make buy-to-let investments less appealing, especially for new entrants or portfolio landlords focused on yield.
The student rental market is another area of concern. A cross-party amendment seeks to protect the academic-year leasing model, which currently hinges on fixed-term tenancies. While the government has introduced a student-specific possession ground, it excludes smaller properties — one- and two-bedroom homes — which account for a third of the market. Brokers working with landlords in university towns may see increased hesitation without legislative safeguards ensuring predictable vacancy cycles.
The NRLA is also backing an amendment to reverse a proposed increase in the rent arrears threshold before landlords can initiate mandatory eviction. Under the current bill, tenants could accrue more unpaid rent before action can be taken. For landlords relying on mortgage repayments, particularly those with tight serviceability margins, this could heighten financial risk and discourage letting to tenants without a strong credit profile — reducing options for brokers arranging buy-to-let finance.
Beyond the amendments, the NRLA has criticised the government’s lack of a clear rollout date or detailed explanation of what a “ready” court system entails. The uncertainty makes it difficult for landlords — and their brokers — to plan strategically.
“Ministers must back these constructive, sensible proposals to ensure the Renters’ Rights Bill works in practice,” said Ben Beadle (pictured), chief executive of the NRLA. “Without changes, the justice system will not cope, students will struggle to plan where they will live, and responsible landlords will avoid the risk of taking tenants with a poor, or no, credit history in the UK.”
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