Lettings Chief Insists Renters Reform Bill Is Not Anti-Landlord

The controversial Renters Reform Bill is not the anti-landlord charter that some in the h system claim it to be. That’s the view of the head of lettings at the Cheffins agency, Sarah Bush.She says: “This Bill has been the elephant in the room for landlords since 2019. As always, the devil will be in the detail, however there are a number of positives which may come out of it.

“Landlords will be getting some clarity on what new regulations will entail, enabling them to plan accordingly.“ Most importantly, this Bill should not cause wide-spread panic within the private rental sector, in fact, it should make it easier for landlords to take possession of their properties from tenants for anti-social behaviour or repeatedly missed rent payments.“

In addition, the new Private Renters’ Ombudsman ought to ease the costs of disputes between tenants and landlords, while the new property portal should give some clarity in terms of compliance. It is therefore not the ‘Anti-Landlord Charter’ many in the industry are making it out to be.”

Bush acknowledges the government needs to make sure the new provisions do not penalise the large numbers of good, responsible landlords for the sake of a small number of rogue operators. Bush continues: “Hopefully this Bill will help to level the playing field for both tenants and landlords across the country, and ensure better quality housing throughout the sector and also end the fear of no-fault evictions for the some 11 million private tenants in the UK.“ When there is more meat on the bones of the changes afoot, both landlords and tenants will be able to operate within the sector with greater confidence.”