Date Published 28 March 2025
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has provided details of its support for certain adjustments demonstrated by Lords and organisations within the last couple weeks to the Renters' Rights Bill. The Bill is set to return to the House of Lords on April 22nd 2025 for the first part of at least two days of detailed examination.
Two key amendments on rental arrears are being largely supported by the NRLA, conveying these will help in giving landlords the confidence for regaining possession back of their property within a timely manner in the case of tenants not paying rent. Lord Carter of Haslemere has suggested that the existing threshold (two months) remains when the Renters' Rights Bill comes into effect, aligning with the recommendations of NRLA, in addition to a caveat that would exempt rental arrears arisen due to issues with Universal Credit payments.
Moreover, The NRLA also states it has opted for other changes to the Bill to help make it 'fair and workable'. Such as the welcoming of a new system used to assess rental increases prior to disputes being sent to the first-tier tribunal, implemented in conjunction with the Valuation Office Agency; and a adjustment to allow an initial rental payment made as a condition of landlord agreeing to a new tenancy; and, as stated above, reintroducing the limit of two month rental arrears allowing landlords to proceed with legal action and possession proceedings by initiating the Section 8 mandatory ground.
Additionally, the NRLA also supports changes to the student possession ground. The association conveys: 'We are calling for an extension of the ground allowing it to be applied to one- and two-bedroom student homes, and to allow students to pay rent by term (rather than monthly).' Ultimately, 50 pages of alterations to the Renters' Rights Bill have been tabled since it was last discussed in the House of Lords on February 4th 2025. If the committee then requires further time to consider the various options presented, the government has stated this will be arranged for the second half of April.
At Adams Estates, we will ensure to keep all of our clients fully updated regarding any amendments or developments to the Renters' Rights Bill.
