A newspaper report claims that some Conservative MPs are unhappy at the anti-landlord tone of the Renters Reform Bill which is due to be published this week.
Using unnamed sources the online-only newspaper i says: “A group of Conservative backbenchers – some of whom are landlords and, according to Westminster sources, reportedly include the former chairman of national estate agency chain Hunters, Kevin Hollinrake – are unhappy about the pro-renter legislation and have been lobbying against it.”
But it continues: “The bill has the support of No 10 and concerns about whether landlords will still be able to evict tenants for anti-social behaviour or rent arrears have been calmed by [Housing Secretary Michael] Gove, according to sources close to the draft legislation.”
On the other side of the argument, but also on the Conservative benches, is Natalie Elphicke MP, who has previously called for a private sector rent freeze in England, similar to that in Scotland.
She told i that she will be scrutinising the legislation to make sure it goes far enough to protect renters. “I still think there’s a question over whether or not renters should be given some compensation to help with the cost of moving if they are evicted because a landlord is making a commercial decision [to sell]. I’ll be looking very closely to see [what the bill] does achieve in terms of effective change and protection for renters.”
Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at industry body, Propertymark, says: “This announcement and the long-awaited introduction of legislation from the UK government to reform the private rented sector in England will help bring much needed clarity for letting agents and their landlords.
“The legislation is likely to focus on improving standards and the quality of property in the sector so Propertymark will be scrutinising the proposals, pushing for amendments where necessary and championing the role of letting agents to ensure the reforms are workable and fit for purpose.”
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