Letting agents have urged peers to listen to their concerns ahead of the Renters’ Rights Bill committee stage in the House of Lords.

Propertymark reports that members have sent more than 250 letters and emails around a range of “sensible amendments”, with key issues focusing on the removal of fixed-term tenancies, court capacity, restrictions on taking rent in advance, regulation of short-term lets and extending the deposit cap for renting with pets.

It believes there is a real concern from letting agents that overly restrictive regulations will reduce the supply of rental homes, drive up rent prices and make it even more difficult for tenants to find affordable housing.

Amendments to Renters' Rights Bill

Amendments have been tabled by peers that, if accepted, would allow fixed-term tenancies to continue if both the landlord and the tenant agree.

The Lords has also challenged the repossession ground 4A that allows landlords to recover possession of an HMO that is let to full-time students, with an amendment to remove this requirement and ensure the ground is applicable to non-HMO student accommodation.

Amendments have been tabled that would allow small landlords less able to fund legal proceedings to continue to be able to issue Section 21 notices and for a requirement that the minister explains what steps have been taken to ensure the courts have enough resources to deal with a likely increase in contested hearings.

The impact of deposit caps when renting with pets continues to be raised by Propertymark, as its survey found 57% of landlords and agents can’t recoup the cost of pet damage.

A Lords amendment would require tenants to make an additional pet damage deposit equivalent to the value of three weeks’ rent.

Timothy Douglas, of Propertymark, said: “It’s great to see so many members engage with our campaigning and contact peers outlining their knowledge and experience from working in the sector. Change is coming but what’s important is that the legislation is evidence-based and fit for purpose.”

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