BPF comment on Renters' Reform Bill

Following the introduction of the Renters' Reform Bill in Parliament, Ian Fletcher, Director of Policy, British Property Federation, said:

"The Renters' Reform Bill is an opportunity to create a rental sector that provides secure, high-quality homes. We have long supported many of the bill's provisions, including the landlord portal, access to an ombudsman and the introduction of the Decent Homes Standard, which support the high standards already prevalent in the build-to-rent sector.

"The abolition of no-fault evictions (section 21) needs to happen in tandem with essential court reform. While court procedures are a last resort, the reforms set out in the bill will mean that all good reasons for landlords wanting their property back will now have to go to court, and without digitalisation of the courts these proceedings will be lengthy and expensive. On the evidence of the past year, little progress has been made on digitalisation. As a result, the Government now needs to turbo-charge its efforts. Access to justice should also be subject to minimum service standards, as backbench MPs have called for.

"By not prescribing a minimum tenancy length the Government further risks fuelling a booming short-lets market, where holiday lets replace much needed permanent homes, at a time when the rental market is already suffering a significant lack of supply.

"Dabbling in rent-setting is fraught with possible unintended consequences. We will be seeking to ensure that the sector's customers can budget with certainty, and landlords do not face significant additional form-filling in a digital age."