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Renters’ Reform Bill: Landlords must be cautious

Private landlords should hold fire on plans to sell up and exit the rental marketplace, said Worcestershire estate agents Nicol & Co.

The Bill is currently only at the first reading, and there will be a second reading later in June, where the detail will be debated in parliament and ultimately voted on.

James Gwynne, lettings manager at Nicol & Co, said: “At this point, we will better understand exactly when we can expect these changes.

“The message for now to landlords across the sector from us is essentially, don’t fret.

“There are still huge benefits in letting your property, and a new normal will be established when a change like this occurs. My best advice is that now is a good time to communicate with your local managing agent with any queries.”

As it stands, the Bill provides for:

Abolishing Section 21 “no-fault evictions”
A move to periodic tenancies and the removal of assured short-hold tenancies
Strengthening Section 8 grounds – particularly for anti-social tenants
Reforming the court’s process – with new digital processes to reduce delays
A new Ombudsman and digital Property Portal
Further legal rights for tenants to request a pet in their rental property – with tenants expected to get pet insurance or to pay for the landlord’s pet damage insurance
Applying the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector for the first time
Stopping landlords and agents from issuing blanket bans for tenants on benefits or with families
Strengthening enforcement powers for councils

Gwynne added: “There is a concern among agents and landlords alike that certain areas of the bill will result in more landlords leaving the sector due to tighter regulations and more complications on ending an unwelcome tenancy.

“While I don’t completely agree with the proposals, ultimately, the government will need to add some incentives in at some point to keep landlords in the market.

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