The next stage of the Renters’ Rights Bill has been scheduled for 1st July, raising the prospect that it could become law before parliamentary summer recess.
Peers have until 26th June to table more amendments before the report stage which takes place over three days in the House of Lords - 1st, 7th and 15th July – when members get the chance to vote.
The bill then moves to a third reading, when there’s still a chance for discussion and amendments, provided the issue hasn’t been fully considered and voted on during either committee or report stage.
It then goes back to the Commons, which can reject any amendments, agree to them or propose new ones, and then it’s back to the Lords - a process known as ‘ping pong’, until they reach agreement.
Very few of the 280-plus amendments suggested by peers so far have been taken on board; the government voted down a delay to the Section 21 evictions ban until the courts are ready for the additional work and for student tenancies to remain as fixed-term tenancies to provide certainty to tenants and landlords.
Although there is still time before the Houses’ summer break, industry experts aren’t confident that the bill will make it across the line. However, Sean Hooker (pictured), head of redress at Property Redress, believes it’s in the government’s interest as this would give civil servants the summer to put guidance together.
Many in the sector believe it could be six or even 12 months after Royal Assent before everything in the bill is implemented. While the government is keen to bring in the abolition of Section 21 and the shift to periodic tenancies, other parts may be staggered, as there is a plethora of statutory instruments needed for many measures to be workable.
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