There is still time for landlords to influence the specific provisions of the Renters Reform Bill according to one of the industry’s most respected experts. 

Paul Shamplina - founder of Landlord Action and star of Channel 5's Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords - makes the claim in an exclusive column for Landlord Today. 

The Bill was introduced to the Commons at the time of the government revealing the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper almost exactly two months ago. However, since that time, the White Paper’s architect - ex-Housing Secretary Michael Gove - was fired from his job, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced he was to quit. 

Tory leadership hopefuls Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak have not given their views on the White Paper nor the Bill. 

So Shamplina says: “With the Conservatives grappling to find a new leader, I think it is unlikely that the final Bill will pass before the end of next year, meaning there is still time to influence change.  

“Whilst I’m not suggesting that there is likely to be a U-turn on any of the elements which have been included, I do believe landlords’ collective voices have an opportunity to show the government what will and won’t work. We must be clear about what grounds and incentives are needed to encourage landlords to remain in the market, ensuring there is a consistently sufficient supply of rental properties in the future.”

While Shamplina says it is clear that the White Paper and Bill can reasonably be seen as being far more pro-tenant and anti-landlord than the industry would like, he insists the solution is not to cut-and-run.

“A couple of weeks ago, together with several other industry leaders and letting agents, I was invited to join a Zoom call with a group of civil servants who are part of the team tasked with implementing the Renters Reform Bill to ensure it is practical and workable. They were keen to hear from Landlord Action’s point of view as to why landlords typically use Section 21.  

“I think all those who attended made it very clear that there are some unintended consequences on the horizon and landlords are already leaving the market. 

“We also discussed the concerns and complexities about plans to scrap fixed-term tenancies in place of periodic tenancies, particularly within the student accommodation market, where Purpose Built Student Accommodation will be exempt. I feel confident that they are listening and at this time it is crucial we engage.”

Eddie Hughes MP, who has been the politician associated with rental reform for some two years now, has remained in his post at the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities throughout the recent political turmoil.  However, he was linked to the Tory leadership campaign of Kemi Badenoch and it is uncertain whether he will stay at the DLUHC under the Prime Ministership of Truss or Sunak.

His departure may also contribute to a delay and possible change of emphasis of the Renters Reform Bill.

You can see Shamplina’s full article for Landlord Today, and a link to a questionnaire on the reform issue, here. 

Via @LandlordToday