The ARL response to the report stage and third reading of the Renters (Reform) Bill
鈥満诹献�区 (ARL), the representative body for rental living sector in the UK including build to rent (BTR), welcomes the report stage and third reading of the Renters (Reform) Bill. 聽
鈥淲hilst the ARL supports the intentions of the Bill in making the rental sector fairer for all and welcomes many of the tabled amendments, it is notable that from a tenants rights perspective, the professionally-managed BTR sector largely already accommodates the Bill鈥檚 proposals, including fairness, which are designed to improve the quality of homes and the renting experience.
鈥淔or over a decade, the BTR sector has attracted the highest calibre institutional capital from across the world having proved that it creates, maintains and professionally manages good quality homes, in the long term, for the benefit of customers, local communities and investors. Almost 102,000 new homes have been completed, with a further 163,731 in the planning and delivery pipeline (Savills, April 2024). The new BTR Code of Practice, conceived and launched for road-testing last month by the ARL, is further testament to the sector鈥檚 commitment.聽
鈥淗owever, from a landlord鈥檚 perspective it is very important that we have an effective 6 month assured tenancy as effectively tabled in the amendments at this stage. Without this we would likely see an exodus in investment in rental accommodation which would exacerbate the already evident housing crisis.
鈥淭he ARL does support the requirement for reform of the courts before the abolition of Section 21 and also welcomes the undertaking to review licensing regimes as these聽are impacting the viability and delivery of much needed additional homes.
鈥淎lmost a year on from the introduction of the Renters (Reform) Bill into Parliament and 5 years since Theresa May’s government first announced the bill in April 2019, the ARL calls for swift passage of the Bill through the House of Lords to ensure clarity and confidence for all in the future of the private rented sector.鈥�
Brendan Geraghty
CEO, ARL