MPs to hear landlords’ views on controversial renting reforms next week

Landlords will get to voice their concerns about the proposed renting reforms next week when the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee takes evidence from the sector.

The NRLA’s Ben Beadle, along with witnesses from renters and residents’ groups, including Generation Rent, Shelter and the British Property Federation, plus local councillors and the Local Government Association, will be quizzed by the cross-party group of MPs on Monday.

They plan to examine the current state of the PRS, the government’s proposals and the likely impact of reforms which include plans for reform of evictions, tenancies and grounds for possession.

Watch the evidence session (starts at 4pm on Monday)

The committee’s inquiry will also get their views on the suggested decent homes standard for the private rented sector, proposals to set up a new ombudsman covering all private landlords, plans to speed up the court process and clamp down on landlords who refuse to let to benefit claimants, and the ability of local councils to enforce both existing standards and the proposed new DHS.

Expressed fears

Many landlord and property groups have already expressed fears that the white paper contains some serious flaws; earlier this week, the DLUHC dismissed concerns from HMO student landlords that its plans to bring in periodic tenancies – allowing students to give two months’ notice at any time – would damage the sector.

They could also have a job convincing some members of the committee. When it launched the probe, chair Clive Betts said he believed that private renters could be the victim of a power imbalance with their landlords, subject to unjustified hikes in rents and the fear of being forced out of their accommodation.

Read more: the ultimate guide to student properties.