Renters' Rights Bill Report Stage (Day 2)

Day Two of the Renters' Rights Bill's Report Stage in the House of Lords saw several key amendments debated and voted on, often with close results. Get the essential overview here!

• Pet Deposits: A significant amendment was passed that would allow landlords to ask for a "pet deposit" of up to three weeks' rent. This overturns the government's initial proposal to scrap pet insurance requirements.

   

• "No-Fault" Evictions (Section 21) and Landlord Sale: Amendments related to the new Ground 1A, which allows landlords to regain possession if they intend to sell the property, were debated. One successful amendment reduced the restricted period during which a landlord cannot re-let the property after a sale-related eviction from 12 months to 6 months. This aims to provide some flexibility for landlords while still offering protections against "gaming" the system and will reduce long void periods however, they must still prove fair marketing and no suitable offers were refused.
• Student Tenancies: There was continued debate on how the Bill impacts student accommodation. While the government has made some concessions for purpose-built student accommodation, amendments were proposed to allow for fixed-term tenancies for students in general, not just in purpose-built halls. The concern is that abolishing fixed terms could disrupt the student rental market.

• Agricultural Workers and Carers: The government was defeated on amendments related to the eviction of tenants to rehouse agricultural workers and to provide housing for carers of landlords or their families. These amendments sought to broaden the grounds for possession in specific circumstances. 

   

• Notice to Quit for Joint Tenancies: Amendments were introduced to ensure that all joint tenants must consent to a shorter notice to quit period or to withdraw a notice to quit.

   

• Rent in Advance & Tribunal Decisions: Government amendments were introduced regarding the transition arrangements for rent in advance and the effective date of rent increases when a Section 13 referral is made to the First-tier Tribunal. This aims to prevent unexpected debt for tenants if a Tribunal decision takes time.

   

• Council Powers: There was a proposed amendment to give councils the power to enter suspected residential tenancies without prior notice if they suspect breaches of database rules, harassment, or unlawful eviction.

In essence, Day Two saw continued efforts to balance tenant protections with landlord flexibility, particularly around possession grounds and tenancy structures, with some notable wins for landlord-friendly amendments. The Bill is still in its scrutiny phase, so further changes are possible.

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