News
Campaigners slam MPs for trying to scupper renting reforms
Tuesday 20th February 2024
Robyn Hall
One proposed amendment from the group of MPs would allow fixed term tenancies to be retained where there is 'mutual agreement' between tenant and landlord.
A group of 40 Conservative MPs have been accused of setting up a 'cabal' to water down plans laid down in the Renters (Reform) Bill so as not to interfere in their own interests.
Analysis of the Register of MP's Financial Interests conducted by the *Renters' Reform Coalition*found that five out of the ten MPs in England with the biggest landlord portfolios are involved.
Nick Fletcher (10 privately rented properties), Marco Longhi (10), Bob Blackman (6), James Gray (4) and Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown (5) are all among a group of 40 Conservative backbenchers who have signed amendments that campaigners warn will 'gut' the legislation as it currently stands.
The amendments, tabled by Conservative MP Anthony Mangnall, include proposals to allow 'hearsay' evidence to be used in evictions over antisocial behaviour; delay the bill's implementation indefinitely; require renters to live in a property for a minimum of six months before they can leave and abolish council licensing schemes intended to drive up standards.
And one proposed amendment would allow fixed term tenancies to be retained where there is 'mutual agreement' between tenant and landlord.
But campaigners warn that would give landlords too much power in tenancy negotiations - essentially leaving things as they are now.
The Renters (Reform) Bill has already seen concessions made to pro-landlord groups, including a delay to the end of Section 21 until the courts are reformed; changes to make it easier for landlords to accuse tenants of anti-social behaviour then evict them and a weakening of the process for challenging rent increases designed to act as disincentive to tenants.
The Neg reported last week how Housing Secretary Michael Gove has committed to outlawing Section 21 'no fault' evictions before the General Election, which must take place before the end of January next year.
Twelve of the 40 MPs who have signed the amendments (30%) are themselves landlords of properties in England with the total number of properties being let out by MPs who have signed the amendments sitting at 48.
The Bill is currently still awaiting its Report Stage in the House of Commons, despite having been first introduced to Parliament last May.
Tom Darling, Campaign Manager of the Renters' Reform Coalition, says: "Of course, being a landlord doesn't mean you can't be an MP.
"But we think those who personally profit from England's broken rental market have a particular duty to their constituents to deliver reforms to the private rented sector. Indeed, they all stood on manifestos to do just that in 2019."
He adds: "It is therefore extremely concerning to see these MPs signing up to amendments that would render significant parts of the legislation pointless.
"What's more, the government have now invested so much politically in this issue that we are concerned they might be looking to make concessions to these rebels to pass the bill quickly and say they have abolished no-fault evictions - despite in reality introducing a system that won't be much better."
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