Propertymark has welcomed key amendments made to the Renters’ Rights Bill during its passage through the House of Lords but has warned MPs to carefully consider the legislation’s potential impact on fixed-term tenancies and rental supply before it returns to the Commons after the summer recess.
The Bill, which proposes sweeping reforms to the private rented sector, including the abolition of Section 21 evictions and new rights for tenants to keep pets, has been described as one of the most significant legislative overhauls in decades.
While Propertymark supports the principle of improving tenant protections, it has consistently raised concerns that some of the proposed reforms risk discouraging landlords from remaining in the market—particularly if fixed-term tenancies are weakened or phased out.
Landlords and letting agents have repeatedly warned that supply constraints are already pushing up rents across many parts of the UK.
BALANCING ACT
The Bill will now return to the House of Commons in the autumn for further scrutiny, with industry bodies and backbench MPs expected to push for additional amendments to balance tenant security with long-term investment in the rental sector.
Nathan Emerson, Chief Executive of Propertymark, says: “Throughout the passage of the Renters’ Rights Bill through the House of Lords, Propertymark’s campaigning has made a difference in ensuring that the Bill is more practical for letting agents, landlords, and tenants.
“These include securing pet damage deposits and student tenancy safeguards.”
But he adds: “However, before the Bill heads back to the House of Commons to be reviewed after the summer recess, as it is due to deliver some of the biggest changes to the private rental sector in decades, Propertymark urges MPs to consider the implications this Bill could have on fixed-term tenancies and the impact it could have on the shrinkage of supply in the private rental sector.”
