Landlords group says rental reform needs to work for both tenants and landlords
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is calling for careful consideration and sufficient preparation time as the UK government introduces the Renters’ Rights Bill .
Speaking ahead of the bill’s release, Ben Beadle (pictured), chief executive of the NRLA, emphasised the need for clarity and fairness for both tenants and landlords, particularly as the reforms have been under discussion for more than five years.
“The end of Section 21, ‘no explanation’ repossessions represents the biggest change to the sector in over 30 years,” he said. “Once the bill is passed, it is vital that sufficient time is provided for the sector to properly prepare.”
Beadle highlighted that more than 4.5 million households would require tenancy agreement updates, while landlords and letting agents would need training. He also noted that insurance and mortgage providers would need to adjust policies and rates, calling on the government to publish clear guidance to assist with the transition.
Another key concern raised by NRLA chief is the potential for the courts to become overwhelmed once Section 21 is repealed, as landlords will need to use the courts to regain possession when they have legitimate reasons.
The landlords association is urging the government to implement reforms to streamline the process, a point also highlighted by the cross-party Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee in its report last year.
“Without reforms to ensure the courts process cases much more swiftly, they risk becoming overwhelmed,” Beadle warned. “This will not serve the interests of tenants or landlords seeking justice.”
The Housing Select Committee’s report expressed similar concerns, noting that the current court system is already struggling to handle housing cases in a timely manner. It argued that repealing Section 21 could exacerbate these issues as landlords increasingly rely on Section 8 claims, particularly in cases involving rent arrears or antisocial behaviour. The committee has called for the creation of a specialist housing court, a proposal the government has so far rejected.
In addition to the legal reforms, Beadle expressed support for measures aimed at improving the quality of rental housing, noting that the actions of rogue landlords have tarnished the sector’s reputation. However, he stressed that councils must enforce these standards rigorously to ensure tenant safety.
“Swift action is needed where standards threaten the health of tenants,” he stressed. “This all needs to be backed up with robust enforcement by councils.”
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