Balgores Welcomes Positive Amendments to the Renters Rights Bill
ShareAs the Renters Rights Bill makes its way through Parliament, the latest debate in the House of Lords has thrown a spotlight on the concerns that many in our industry have been voicing for months. At Balgores Lettings, we echo the frustrations shared by Peers, who warned that the removal of Section 21 the so called “no fault” eviction without proper court reform, could place significant strain on an already stretched justice system.
Section 21: Out, But At What Cost?
The Bill proposes that all possession claims now rely solely on Section 8, a legal route that depends heavily on prompt and efficient court processes. Without sufficient investment in the courts, landlords could face delays and uncertainty when seeking to regain possession, even in clear-cut cases such as persistent rent arrears or anti-social behaviour.
Reform Must Be Built on a Strong Foundation
Propertymark, a leading industry body of which we are proud members, has long argued that the success of any reform hinges on a well functioning legal framework. This means digitising outdated court systems, ensuring consistent outcomes across regions, and providing clear guidance on possession timelines.
These points were emphatically raised during the Lords debate, with several members warning that without these improvements, the reforms could backfire harming tenants and landlords alike and undermining confidence in the private rented sector.
A Step Backwards?
One of the more controversial elements of the debate was the governments decision to drop the previous Conservative commitment to overhaul the courts before removing Section 21. Many in the Lords expressed concern that this reversal could drive landlords out of the market at a time when the demand for rental property is surging. Fewer landlords means fewer homes to rent and ultimately, fewer choices for tenants.
Rushing Through Reform?
Beyond the readiness of the courts, Peers also raised important questions about the lack of detail in the Bill. Specific concerns were flagged around student tenancies, the thresholds for rent arrears, and how anti-social behaviour will be managed under the new system.
As letting professionals on the front line, we at Balgores Lettings support sensible reform but not reform for reform’s sake. Poorly thought out legislation that ignores the complexities of the real rental market risks creating confusion, loopholes, and unnecessary stress for all involved.
What Happens Next?
As the Renters Rights Bill progresses, we urge Ministers to listen carefully to the industry’s feedback. Reform should be built on evidence, not ideology. That means engaging with letting agents, landlords, and tenants to get the detail right before making irreversible changes.
At Balgores, we’ll continue to stay informed and advocate for fair, balanced legislation that supports the needs of both landlords and tenants in the long term.