According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Conservative MPs are concerned that the reforms could lead to landlords selling properties, further exacerbating the shortage of rental properties in the UK.
Specifically, the government had previously promised to ban "no-fault" evictions under Section 21, but this promise has lapsed for five years. Now, Conservative backbenchers are attempting to dilute protections for tenants to increase landlords' rights. However, the specific aspects being diluted are currently unclear.
Against this backdrop, various stakeholders in the private rental market have expressed different views. Some believe that ensuring tenants' rights to stability and certainty is equally important. They point out that the UK's flawed court system urgently needs reform to make the eviction provisions of Section 8 (requiring landlords to provide reasons for eviction) a viable alternative to Section 21 evictions. Doing so would help balance the interests of tenants and landlords.
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Anthony Kyriacou, Founder and CEO of krispyhouse, emphasized the urgency of establishing a private rental market that benefits everyone. He stressed that more landlords selling properties out of fear of the court enforcing new eviction rules before the bill takes effect is not what the rental market needs. He believes that tenants having more rights to stability and certainty in renting is equally crucial. However, the new round of amendments was proposed too late, leading to skepticism about the bill and the motives behind the proposed amendments.
The National Residential Landlords Association also responded to the BBC's report. CEO Ben Beadle stated that the government has a responsibility to end the practice of using periodic tenancies and no-fault evictions. They have been working to develop an alternative system that is fair to tenants and responsible landlords alike. He believes that providing a six-month minimum term with guarantees to landlords and ensuring confidence in court procedures can achieve a balance between tenants and landlords.
Additionally, Oli Sherlock, Managing Director of Goodlord insurance company, expressed that this uncertainty is detrimental to the private rental industry. He believes that the latest chapter of the Rental Reform Bill brings more uncertainty to the private rental industry. He noted that the issue of abolishing Section 21 has been unresolved for months, with little to no investment or progress in court reform since it was brought up. Therefore, letting agents and landlords are urging the government to address this issue promptly to allow for effective preparation and planning.