The Renters’ Rights Bill has passed the Committee Stage in the House of Lords and is now set to move to the Report Stage, marking a major step forward for one of the most sweeping housing reforms in a generation.
However, concerns are growing within the lettings industry over the practical implications of the legislation, with leading figures warning that the current draft risks undermining the very goals it seeks to achieve.
Allison Thompson, National Lettings Managing Director of Leaders Romans Group (LRG), criticised the decision to reject the majority of the more than 280 proposed amendments to the Bill.
Thompson, main picture, says: “As the Renters’ Rights Bill completes its Committee Stage in the House of Lords, it is disappointing to see that so few of the 280-plus amendments have been taken on board.”
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
She adds: “Many of these proposals were practical and proportionate, offering a better path to balanced reform.
“This was a real opportunity to address concerns about court delays, fixed-term tenancies and the risks of rushed implementation. Instead, we are seeing significant changes pushed through with limited clarity on how they will work in practice.”
Thompson reiterated LRG’s support for reform, particularly around safety, transparency and fairness for tenants.
However, she stressed the importance of ensuring changes are workable for landlords as well.
CRITICAL SHIFT
Thompson says: “Landlords should begin preparing for a shift in how they manage tenancies
“The removal of fixed terms, changes to rent increase processes and new responsibilities around pets and damp mean that tenancy agreements will need updating.
“Rent guarantee insurance and legal cover should also be reviewed, as many existing policies may not reflect the new legal environment.
“And with more pressure on local enforcement and court systems, working with a qualified, regulated letting agent has never been more important.”
MORE ENGAGEMENT
Calling for further engagement between policymakers and the sector, Thompson says: “We urge the government to continue working with the sector to ensure the transition is fair and effective. Reform must be more than a political milestone—it must work on the ground for those providing and living in rented homes.”
The Renters’ Rights Bill forms part of the government’s broader agenda to rebalance the private rented sector, but with implementation now looming, industry stakeholders are calling for clarity and collaboration to ensure the reforms can be successfully delivered.
