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MPs have voted through the Renters’ Rights Bill almost entirely unaltered except for changes designed to help leaseholders to rent out homes within un-remediated blocks and regulate standards within homes rented by military personnel.

But otherwise, all of the contentious measures within the bill will now become law ‘very shortly’ once the King has given the draft legislation Royal Assent.

During the final parliamentary debate, the Bill’s main sponsor Matthew Pennycook described the private rented sector as ‘unjust and broken’, saying: “Today is a momentous one because the Renters’ Rights Bill will soon have completed all its stages and become law”. But he also raised eyebrows by claiming the Bill would reward landlords with ‘simpler regulation’.

“The need to decisively level the playing field between landlord and tenant is pressing and we promised to succeed where the previous government failed by legislating to transform the experience of private renting.”

Pennycook and his counterpart in the Lords, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, brooked no amendments to the Bill during all its stages even when it came to relatively sensible alternations to enable landlords to request tenants take out pet damage insurance or allowing them to request a separate pet deposit.

Despite Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly pushing him for a timetable for the changes to come in, Pennycook did not reveal any dates, saying only that tenants and landlords would get clarity ‘soon’ and he was committed to a ‘smooth transition’ and particularly for the new rental contract system.

Cleverly added: “The Bill in its current form will, in some areas, be counter productive and drive landlords from the market as well as putting up rents for tenants and Labour’s own impact assessment for this bill supports this concern.

“We will be holding the Government to account for the consequences of this Bill.” Cleverly is scheduled to speak at The Negotiator Conference on 28th November, heading a stellar line-up of industry speakers, two days after the Autumn Budget.

The legislation, which is expected to gain Royal Assent within days, will ban Section 21 evictions and rent in advance, bring in open-ended rental contracts, limit rent increases, ban bidding wars, introduce a Decent Homes Standard for all rented homes, extend Awaab’s Law to private landlords and introduce a database of rented properties a new ombudsman to handle tenant complaints about landlords.

The introduction of The Renter’s Rights Bill is proving to be the most significant reform the private rented sector has seen since the Housing Act 1988. Introduced to parliament in September 2024, the Bill has wide-ranging implications for landlords, tenants and lettings agents alike. 

The Bill has now progressed through the House of Commons and is currently under consideration in the House of Lords. The Bill had its first reading in the Lords on January 15 2025, and the second on 4th February 2025 and is widely expected to become law this spring.

Key Provisions:

The Bill aims to transform the private rented sector in England with several notable measures:

End fixed term Assured Shorthand Tenancies: Introduce a new system of rolling periodic tenancies for new and existing tenancies from the implementation date. 

Abolition of Section 21 'No Fault' Evictions: The Bill proposes ending Section 21 evictions, providing tenants with greater security by preventing landlords from evicting tenants without a valid reason. 

Reformed Grounds for Possession: It introduces clear and comprehensive grounds under which landlords can regain possession of their properties, ensuring a balanced approach that protects both tenant rights and landlord interests. 

Introduction of a Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman: A new ombudsman service will be established to offer tenants a fair and efficient platform for resolving disputes without resorting to the courts.

Creation of a Private Rented Sector Database: The Bill mandates the creation of a database where landlords must register their properties, promoting transparency and aiding local authorities in enforcing housing standards. 

Right to Request Pets: Tenants will have the right to request permission to keep pets, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse such requests, unless written in a head lease. Landlords may require pet insurance to cover potential damages. 

Application of the Decent Homes Standard: The Bill extends the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector, ensuring that rented properties meet minimum quality and safety criteria. 

Ban on Discrimination: It becomes illegal for landlords and agents to discriminate against tenants based on their receipt of benefits or if they have children, promoting fairness in tenant selection.

Prohibition of Rental Bidding Wars: The Bill seeks to end the practice of rental bidding, preventing landlords and agents from encouraging prospective tenants to outbid each other, thereby promoting fairness and affordability in the rental market.

Ban on requesting rent in advance: Landlords and agents will no longer be able to request rent in advance of a tenant entering into a tenancy agreement.

End in-tenancy rent increases written in to contracts: Landlords will only be allowed to raise the rent once a year to the market rate.

Apply Awaab’s Law to the Private Rented Sector: Setting clear legal expectations about timeframes within which Landlords must take action to serious hazards.

How will the Bill affect you as a Landlord, following implementation:

End of Fixed Term Tenancies – Assured and Assured Shorthold Tenancies (AST’s) only: 

All new assured tenancies will be periodic and all existing fixed term assured shorthold tenancies will convert to the new system of periodic assured tenancies from the implementation date.  Landlords and tenants will no longer be able to agree a fixed term assured shorthold tenancy, instead tenancies will be periodic from the start and tenants will be able to stay in a property until they decide to end the tenancy by giving two months’ notice, or until the landlord can evidence a valid ground for possession.  

Removal of Section 21 Notice:

Landlords will no longer be able to serve a Section 21 notice to regain possession of a property, instead landlords will need to rely on the grounds of Section 8 if they wish to regain possession of the property.  The Bill amends the grounds for possession under Section 8 of the Housing Act and will include grounds for a landlord selling a property, landlord (or close family member) wishing to move back into the property and rental arrears. 

How much notice will a landlord need to provide to a tenant if they wish to sell a property or move back in: 

Landlords will need to give four months’ notice to move in to or sell a property, but there will be a 12-month protected period for tenants at the beginning of a tenancy where landlords will be restricted from using either of these two grounds. It is not yet clear from when this 12-month protected period will commence, when applying it to existing fixed term tenancies that will convert to Periodic assured tenancies on the Bill becoming law.  There will also be restrictions on when a landlord can relet a property following them serving notice to a tenant to either sell the property or move back in. We believe this will be a minimum period of 12 months before you can re-let the property.

How much notice will a landlord need to give under other grounds of Section 8:

Each Ground in Section 8 has its own required minimum notice period and further information can be found at Guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill - GOV.UK

Rent Increases:

Landlords will only be allowed to raise the rent once a year to the market rate and must issue a Section 13 notice to the tenant, giving at least two months notice to increase the rent. Tenants will be able to challenge an increase through the First Tier Tribunal if they feel it is not representative of the market value.  Rent review clauses in tenancy agreements will no longer be valid.

Rent In Advance:

Landlords will only be allowed to request rent in advance for a maximum of one month. Furthermore, a rent payment will not be able to be requested until such time as a tenancy agreement has been entered into by the tenant. Any rent taken in advance for any tenancy period exceeding one month, and any rent taken prior to a tenant signing and dating a tenancy agreement will be deemed a “prohibited payment” for the purposes of the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

End bidding wars:

Landlords and agents must publish an asking rent for the property and Landlords and agents will be prohibited from asking or encouraging a prospective tenant to offer an amount of rent above the advertised marketing rent. 

Pets:

Tenants will have the right to request a pet in the property which the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.  Landlords will be able to reasonably refuse a pet if accepting one would breach an agreement with a superior landlord.  Landlords will also be able to request that tenants take out insurance that covers the risk of pet damage or can request that a tenant pays the landlord’s reasonable costs of having insurance that covers the risk of pet damage.   

Property standards:

The legislation will amend the Housing Act 2004 to include a new system for assessing housing conditions and enforcing housing standards.  Local councils will also have a range of available enforcement mechanisms available to them if a property fails to meet the Decent Homes Standard. The Bill will also extend Awaab’s Law to privately rented homes and introduce new requirements requiring private rented sector landlords to address hazards, such as damp and mould within a specified time period. 

Landlord Ombudsman and Landlord Database:

The Bill will introduce a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman Service which landlords will be required to join.  This will provide prospective, current, or former tenants with access to redress services should a dispute arise with their landlord.  There will also be an online public Private Rented Sector Database which landlords will be legally required to register both themselves with and the properties they let before a property is marketed.  The database will provide guidance to help landlords understand their legal obligations and demonstrate compliance, alongside providing better information to tenants to make informed decisions when entering into a tenancy agreement.

Discrimination in the rental market:

The Bill will ban discrimination against prospective tenants with children or those in receipt of benefits to ensure everyone is treated fairly.  Landlords and agents will continue to have the final say on who they let their property to and can carry out referencing checks to make sure tenancies are suitable for all parties. They will be able to do this based on affordability, but not on the basis the prospective tenant has children or is in receipt of benefits.

As with the current law regarding assured shorthold tenancies, tenancy agreements with a rental value over £100,000 per annum, resident landlords and company lets are excluded from the Renters’ Rights Bill at the moment.

We are committed to supporting you and will provide further updates once we have more information as the Bill progresses. Please note, until the Renters’ Rights Bill has become law, none of the above applies.  

The Renters' Rights Bill passed the Third Reading and now moves into the House of Lords. Several amendments were tabled and Matthew Pennycook, MP, the Housing Minister, stated that the Bill provides more protection for landlords and their properties.

Following a comprehensive briefing provided by the Propertymark Policy and Campaigns team, several MPs raised issues with the Bill. However, many of these questions remain unanswered, particularly how flexibility for tenants will be retained if rent in advance is banned, as detailed in our joint letter to the Housing Minister.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Bill will undergo further scrutiny in the House of Lords and, should they propose further amendments, it will return to the Commons for consideration until both Houses reach an agreement

Keep up to date here

The Renters Right Bill, which has been introduced to parliament this month, is set to represent a significant overhaul to the private rental market.  The Bill still has a long way to go before it becomes law, but the Government has made it clear that they intend to prioritise getting it through parliament and aim to have it enacted, in part, as early as next spring.

As the proposed legislation takes shape, it’s important for Landlords to stay informed and up to date. You can find detailed guidance on the Bill here.

Some of the key highlights of the Renters Rights Bill are as follows:

Abolish Section 21 Evictions: Section 21 evictions (no fault evictions) will be abolished for new and existing tenancies.

End of Fixed-Term Tenancies: Fixed-term and assured shorthand tenancies will be replaced with periodic tenancies, allowing Tenants to end their tenancy by giving two months notice.

New Possession Grounds: Landlords will have new grounds to regain possession for reasons such as moving into the property or selling. Tenants will benefit from a 12 month protected period at the beginning of the tenancy, with Landlords providing a 4 month notice period when using these grounds.

Bidding Ban & Rent Increases: End the practice of rental bidding by prohibiting Landlords and agents accepting offers above the advertised asking price. Rent increases will be limited to once per year and only to the present market value.

Decent Homes Standard: Landlords must ensure properties meet the new Decent Homes Standard keeping renters safe.

Awaab’s Law: Setting clear legal expectations about timeframes within which Landlords must take action to serious hazards.

Protection Against Discrimination: Helping to ensure all Tenants in receipt of benefits or with children are treated fairly.

Pets: Landlords must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse a pet in a property but will be able to request pet insurance to cover any damage.
 

Opening the new session of Parliament, King Charles III announced more than 40 Bills the UK Government has committed to introduce, with housing and planning firmly in the spotlight. Housebuilding, renters’ rights, and leasehold reform are all on the legislative agenda, along with significant devolution of powers to local authorities.

The Renters’ Rights Bill

The UK Government has stated its intention to decisively level the playing field between landlords and tenants, by giving renters greater security, rights and protections and cracking down on unscrupulous practices such as malicious rent rises designed to force tenants out and bidding wars, which were mentioned in their manifesto.

The Bill will aim to create a well-functioning PRS that provides a balance for tenants between flexibility and security. The scrapping Section 21 is a key part, as is introducing new clear and expanded grounds for possession and removing the threat of arbitrary evictions whilst making sure landlords can reclaim their properties when necessary.

To reduce the need for court proceedings in the case of disputes, a new PRS Ombudsman will be created to provide impartial and binding resolutions. Separately, the Victims, Courts and Public Protection Bill will aim to reduce delays in the court system by allowing Associate Prosecutors to work on appropriate cases, as referenced in Labour’s manifesto,

Several measures will focus on improving property standards, with a Decent Homes Standard (DHS) and Awaabs Law extended to cover the PRS. A DHS would set a minimum standard, before a property can be let to tenants. Awaabs Law will provide clear legal expectations about when and how agents and landlords must respond to resolve hazards reported during a tenancy.

Other familiar elements of the Bill are the right to request to keep a pet (although no mention of the right to alter a property so far) and making it illegal to discriminate against potential tenants who have children or receive benefits.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

Through the Crime and Policing Bill, Respect Orders will be introduced as a new tool to tackle persistent offenders. Neighbourhood policing will be revived, and there will be a duty for local partners to work together to tackle issues.

Draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill

As well as implementing the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, which scraped through Parliament at the end of the last session, the UK Government will enact the remaining recommendations made by the Law Commission to improve leaseholders’ rights to extend their lease and buy their freehold (enfranchisement) and take over the freeholders building management functions (Right to Manage).

Ground rents will be regulated for existing leaseholders. Propertymark research and survey input from members cited, as a key piece of evidence for change in the King’s Speech briefing notes.

Additionally, a consultation will take place to identify the best way to restrict the sale of leasehold flats and reinvigorate commonhold, moving a few steps closer to ending leasehold in England and Wales altogether.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill

Rachel Reeves homed in on the current planning regime as the major obstacle to growth in her first official speech as Chancellor, and this Bill will play a key role in removing the blockers.

Significant change will happen at the local level by modernising planning committees and increasing the capacity to speed up decision-making. Kier Starmer has stated that the planning system must be an enabler of growth – with democratic engagement with how, not if, homes and infrastructure are built.

Speaking on Radio 4 earlier in the day, the Rt Hon Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, acknowledged that some developments will be controversial but that providing enough homes is essential to getting the growth the country needs. He also reiterated that UK Government policy is to prioritise brownfield sites - old industrial or inner-city sites that have been cleared - before considering green belt options.

The English Devolution Bill

England is one of the most centralised economies in the world and has some of the highest levels of geographic inequality. Westminster recognises it does not have the local knowledge, capacity, and flexibility needed to take advantage of every opportunity available.

By making it easier to transfer powers back to local authorities, it is hoped that mayors and Combined Authorities can more quickly deliver on issues including strategic planning, housing, and local infrastructure.

The Bill also includes provisions for a ‘right to buy’ for community assets, that will enable local councils to acquire empty shops, pubs, and community spaces to revamp struggling high streets.

Inputting on behalf of members

Propertymark is meeting with officials to understand the proposals in more detail and provide feedback from their members. They have also written to all relevant Ministers now that they are in post, to press forward Propertymark’s priorities and how they fit into the UK Government’s plans.

They will continue to champion their members and the sector to ensure these reforms are evidence-based and fit for purpose.

The Renters (Reform) Bill has now completed its passage through the House of Commons. On 1 May 2024, the Bill was introduced in the House of Lords and Second Reading in the Lords will take place on 15 May 2024.

The Bill has been updated to reflect the changes made and agreed in the House of Commons.

View The Renters (Reform) Bill, as introduced in the House of Lords

It is fair to say that the Renters (Reform) Bill has been strengthened since it was first introduced. However, it still misses the mark in providing the right level of fairness and flexibility for landlords and tenants and improved competency standards for letting agents.

As the seasons change, grab your trainers, put on your coat and head out on a lovely walk in the capital.   London is a city of fast walkers, charging down the pavements, but it's nice to switch up the pace a bit. Head out for an urban stroll and you'll discover that this vast, sprawling city is full of surprising green spaces, winding alleyways, and canal trails that are itching to be explored.

Whether you’d like to dive into the past with a historical hoof around town, zone-out in an area of blissful nature or check out some of the city’s biggest attractions, there's an endless array of beautiful spots for a London walk.

Hampstead Heath Circular Walk (4.5 or 6.5 miles)

This self-guided circular walk explores the highlights of Hampstead Heath, one of London’s wildest and most precious green spaces. Climb Parliament Hill for panoramic views of the city’s skyline, pass by the bathing ponds (stop for a dip if you’re feeling brave) and admire the imposing white mansion Kenwood House. The walk takes you through some of the prettiest parts of Hampstead, too. Want to extend your walk? Visit Highgate Cemetery – atmospheric architecture surrounded by a peaceful wilderness that’s nowhere near as bleak as it sounds. Near Highgate Cemetery is a lesser-known green space called Waterlow Park. If it’s snowing, a visit to this 20-acre park is a must, as locals love using it for sledging. There are also three ponds for wildlife-spotting and gorgeous skyline views from the benches.

The Jubilee Greenway

The Jubilee Greenway is a 60km route created in 2012 for (as its name suggests) the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee to mark her 60 years on the throne. The whopping loop offers 1 kilometre for each year of her reign. Well-sign-posted with glass paving slabs throughout, the walk’s ten sections cover much of the capital. The first section offers walkers a picturesque route between Buckingham Palace and the winding waterways of Maida Vale. You’ll head up Constitution Hill, through Hyde Park, past Kensington Palace and Paddington before ending up among the picturesque canals and boats of Little Venice. Continue the walk to Camden where you might find some tasty takeaway food options, or mooch to Warwick Avenue to head back to the city.

For other pretty walks in and around a glorious city, take a look at Time Out's guide here

Ben Beadle at the NRLA says Jeremy Hunt must "pull out all the stops" and use his Budget to scrap the stamp duty levy on additional homes.

Landlords are urging Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (main picture) to give the PRS a major boost in the Budget.

The NRLA says Hunt should scrap the three per cent levy on additional homes, which would lead to 900,000 new rented properties becoming available.

And increasing the supply of homes for private rent would boost the Government’s coffers to the tune of £10 billion, the NRLA says.

SUPPLY CRISIS

The assessment follows the submission of NRLA’s proposals to the Government ahead of the Budget on 6 March, amidst a supply crisis in the rental market.

The NRLA uses analysis by Capital Economics which shows that scrapping would free up 900,000 additional rental properties, and increase tax receipts by £10 billion.

This is almost the equivalent of the entire £11.5 billion affordable homes budget for 2021-26.

SQUEEZE OUT

The Stamp Duty levy was introduced in 2016 by then Chancellor, George Osborne, who argued it would prevent landlords squeezing out families who want to become homeowners.

Research findings suggest that an average of 11 prospective tenants now make enquiries about every available property to rent.

Ben Beadle, CEO of the NRLA, says: “The Chancellor needs to pull out all the stops to tackle the housing crisis.

“Growing the private rented sector is not only vital if tenant demand is to be met, but it would also provide a substantial boost to Treasury coffers, enabling it to invest in vital public services,” he says.

“It makes no sense to discourage investment in desperately needed private rented accommodation. Inaction will only result in more misery for prospective renters.”

E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their convenience and eco-friendliness. Most are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged in the home. The use of these batteries in a wide range of household products is becoming increasingly common.

It is important, when charging e-bikes and e-scooters, you do so safely to avoid a risk of a fire starting and putting your families and homes at risk.

With an increased use of e-bikes and e-scooters, comes a corresponding fire safety concern associated with their charging and storage. The use of these products is expected to continue to rise. Some fire services and fire investigators have seen a rise in e-bike and e-scooter battery fires.  On occasions, batteries can fail catastrophically, they can ‘explode’ and/or lead to a rapidly developing fire.

The incorrect disposal of lithium-ion batteries in general household and recycling waste can lead to significant waste fires.  

It is essential to understand how to reduce these risks and keep homes and businesses safe. Here's our guide to reducing fire risks when charging and storing e-bikes and e-scooters.

Charging

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging, and always unplug your charger when it’s finished charging.
• Ensure you have working smoke alarms. If you charge or store your e-bike or e-scooter in a garage or kitchen ensure you install detection, we recommend heat alarms rather than smoke detectors for these areas.
• Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert so if a fire should occur you can respond quickly. Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from the home.
• Always use the manufacturer approved charger for the product, and if you spot any signs of wear and tear or damage, buy an official replacement charger for your product from a reputable seller.
• Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging, as this could lead to overheating or even a fire.
• Do not charge batteries or store your e-bike or e-scooter near combustible or flammable materials.
• Do not overcharge your battery – check the manufacturer’s instructions for charge times.
• Do not overload socket outlets or use inappropriate extension leads (use uncoiled extensions and ensure the lead is suitably rated for what you are plugging in to it).
• In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire – do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out, call 999.

Storage

• Avoid storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters on escape routes or in communal areas of a multi occupied building. If there’s a fire, it can affect people’s ability to escape.
• Responsible Persons should consider the risks posed by e-bikes and e-scooters where they are charged or left in common areas such as means of escape, bike stores and mobility scooter charging rooms. They may wish to offer advice to residents on the safe use, storage and charging of these products.
• Store e-bikes and e-scooters and their batteries in a cool place. Avoid storing them in excessively hot or cold areas.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the storage and maintenance of lithium -ion batteries if they are not going to be used for extended periods of time.

Buying

• Buy e-bikes, e-scooters and chargers and batteries from reputable retailers.
• Many fires involve counterfeit electrical goods. Items which don’t meet British or European standards pose a huge fire risk and while genuine chargers (or battery packs) may cost more, it’s not worth putting your life at risk and potentially destroying your home by buying a fake charger to save a few pounds.
• If buying an e-bike conversion kit, purchase from a reputable seller and check that it complies with British or European standards. Take particular care if buying from online auction or fulfilment platforms. Also be aware that if buying separate components, you should check that they are compatible.
• Register your product with the manufacturer to validate any warranties – batteries are usually included in warranties. Registering makes it easier for manufacturers to contact you in the event of safety or recall information.
• Check any products you have bought are not subject to a product recall. You can do this but checking Electrical Safety First’s website or the government website.

Damage and disposal

• Batteries can be damaged by dropping them or crashing e-bikes or e-scooters. Where the battery is damaged, it can overheat and catch fire without warning. Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage and if you suspect it is damaged it should be replaced and should not be used or charged.
• If you need to dispose of a damaged or end of life battery, don’t dispose of it in your household waste or normal recycling. These batteries, when punctured or crushed, can cause fires in bin lorries, recycling and waste centres. Your e- bike or e- scooter manufacturer may offer a recycling service. Alternatively, check with your local authority for suitable battery recycling arrangements in your area.

We hope that the above information is of use to you. Enjoy and ride your e-bike or e-scooter safely and ensure you are using these products correctly. Further information can be found here https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules and for e-scooters

MPs have given the Renters Reform Bill its Second Reading - a procedure which means it now continues into the Committee Stage, at which it will undergo line-by-line scrutiny.

No vote was taken, as is common at the end of this stage of parliamentary business.

Opening the debate Housing Secretary Michael Gove repeatedly spoke of the need to balance the needs of tenants and landlords in the progress of the Bill; he acknowledged issues with the existing Bill for the student market and committed to regulating student housing appropriately. 

The role of the justice system was central to the debate and several responses reiterated the need to make the courts fit for purpose before Section 21 is abolished - a point the Housing Secretary made over the weekend in a letter to the Select Committee on Housing. 

However, he repeated the government was committed to the removal of Section 21  to prevent bad landlords from intimidating tenants, silencing those complaining about poor standards of housing and the need for repairs. 

Alongside this there was a commitment to strengthening provisions under Section 8 to reliably regain possession where necessary, lowering the threshold to prove anti-social behaviour and tackling unscrupulous tenants who abuse provisions to protect the vulnerable.

Labour has made it clear it will be pushing for measures that go beyond those already in the Bill, particularly on an expansion of rent repayment orders; amending possession grounds to protect tenants against ‘no fault’ evictions; and the outlawing of blanket bans on landlords accepting tenants with children or who are in receipt of benefits.

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn - now an independent MP - called for rent controls and strengthening of some provisions in the Bill; these were rejected by Michael Gove. 

Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, says: "It is clear that more needs to be done to get the balance right for landlords, agents and tenants. Outstanding questions need to be answered about the role of a reformed judicial system.

"The UK Government have failed to take seriously the potential impact and the unintended consequences of the removal of Section 21 and the impact this could have on landlords exiting the market, which will do nothing to tackle the demand crisis in the private rented sector. It is important that the details are published and shared.

“The UK Government has listened to the concerns of our members with the need for special requirements for the student market, which is welcome, and many MPs outlined how the Bill can be strengthened through a review and reversal of recent tax changes, raising the Local Housing Allowance and local authority capacity to enforce legislation – issues that Propertymark has consistently raised.

“Propertymark will engage further at Committee Stage to ensure the Bill is evidence based and the role of property agents is incorporated fairly within the introduction of a new Ombudsman for landlords, and agents can play a full role in increasing property standards.”