Confusion grows over Renters’ Reform Bill timeline

Confusion is growing following the government’s failure to clarify the timeline or implementation plan for the Renters’ Rights Bill during a debate in the House of Commons this week.

In response, Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), said: “We welcome the Housing Minister’s commitment to ensure the rental market has sufficient notice ahead of the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill. However, this does not provide the clarity that renters and landlords desperately need to prepare for its arrival.

“With the Bill now close to receiving Royal Assent, the Government needs to make clear how long after this it expects to begin rolling out the widespread reforms. The sector cannot operate, and plan, based on vague and ambiguous statements.

“At least six months will be needed, after regulations are passed, to ensure a smooth transition to the new tenancy system. Anything less will be a recipe for confusion and chaos.”

Responding to the Government’s opposition to changes proposed in the House of Lords to protect the annual cycle of one-and two-bedroom student properties, Ben Beadle continued:

“Around a third of housing typically lived in by those in their second year of study and above is one- and two-bedroom properties. Under current proposals, neither landlords nor students will have certainty that this type of housing will be available from one academic year to the next.

“The NRLA has proposed a reasonable compromise to protect the annual cycle of the vast majority student housing, whilst also safeguarding the rights of non-traditional students that ministers say they want to protect. Regrettably, this has been met with silence from the government.

“Ultimately, it is students who will lose out – left unable to plan with any certainty where, and with whom, they will live at the start of each year of study.”