Big estate agency boss calls for Renters (Reform) Bill to be scrapped

Leaders Romans Group (LRG) is calling for the Renters (Reform) Bill to be scrapped and for the introduction of a National Plan so address serious failures in the planning system.

As the main political parties head into conference season the estate agent also wants to see the creation of dedicated housing courts to speed up the legal process as well as substantive policy changes covering the cost of moving, an increase in social housing, a sensible discussion on the greenbelt and an end to inheritance tax.

Michael Cook, LRG Managing Director, says: “In our view, the Renters (Reform) Bill is ill thought-through and would be detrimental to both landlords and tenants.

“The removal of Section 21 is unnecessary and damaging. As our research shows, Section 21 is rarely used for ‘no fault evictions’ and, as Shelter has said, the abolition of Section 21 won’t end unfair or no-fault evictions where they do occur.”

Cook says that while it is proposed that Section 8 of the Housing Act will replace Section 21 this will create less, not more security for tenants.

He adds: “It will also mean many more cases going through the courts which is costly, stressful and prone to considerable delay.

“We know there is widespread concern as to how the courts will facilitate effective possession hearings under these new grounds.”

Cook also says that moving all assured shorthold tenancies onto a single system of periodic tenancies would significantly reduce security for both landlord and tenants, spelling the end of long-term contacts and replacing them with just two months’ notice.

And he adds: “Abolishing clear fixed term tenancies seem to contradict the Government’s objective to provide families the ability to put down roots in local communities with the security of knowing they have certainty of tenancy for in most cases one year, but often two or three. Any detrimental changes to the sector could force landlords to leave the sector which would impact on supply, force rents up further and exacerbate homelessness.”

More details:

https://thenegotiator.co.uk/leaders-romans-group-calls-for-renters-reform-bill-to-be-scrapped/