The Renters’ Reform Coalition, a combination of some 20 groups of activists wanting to transform the lettings sector, has set its demands to MPs.
At a House of Commons event the coalition unveiled a 28 page document of demands. Some were familiar - ending Section 21 eviction powers for landlords and the creation of a national register of landlords, both of which have been backed by numerous politicians of all parties, and by the government.
Some are less familiar, and arguably the most controversial will be the radical reshaping of tenancies.
The activists’ document says: “Tenancies should be open-ended, providing greater stability and preventing the continuous cycle of moving that many renters find themselves trapped in.
“Under a system of indefinite tenancies, there would be no fixed terms or break clauses, renters would instead be able to leave the tenancy at a time of their choosing, after giving the landlord appropriate notice.
“Indefinite tenancies provide both security and flexibility, allowing renters to stay in their homes for as long or as short a period as they need to.
“Renters should be afforded consumer protections as in any other market. Indefinite tenancies enable renters to exit a tenancy where, for instance, a property is not as advertised, or serious disrepair comes to light after moving in.”
They rule out any form of flexible tenancy let alone different, longer fixed terms.
The document goes on to say: “We believe that preserving fixed terms under any name would constitute a missed opportunity for tenancy reform.
“Optional fixed terms would create a two-tier tenancy system, overly complex for both tenants and landlords, with many renters assuming that they must leave at the end of the fixed period.
“Optional fixed terms also do not account for the imbalance of power between tenants and landlords. In high-demand areas, renters are unable to negotiate the terms of a tenancy with their landlord on an equal basis, so tenancies would realistically default to fixed-term.”
The Renters Reform Coalition describes itself as organisations committed to working together to ensure the Renters’ Reform Bill “delivers the safety, security and improvements needed for the 11 million private renters in England. We are united in our mission to reform the private rented sector so that everyone who relies on it for their home can prosper.”
Members include the National Union of Students, ACORN - formally called the Association of Community Organisations for Reform Now - along with the Greater Manchester Tenants Union, London Renters Union, and Renters’ Rights London.
The Generation Rent activist group and campaigning charity Shelter are also members.
You can see the coalition’s full report here.
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