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Housing Secretary Michael Gove said delays in rent reform would be “damaging and damaging” to tenants and the industry as a whole, amid concerns the government was watering down its pledge to introduce new measures to prevent homelessness. He warned that it was destabilizing.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and charity Crisis have questioned the future of the Tenants (Reform) Bill, which was expected to abolish section 21 evictions, in a joint letter to Housing Secretary Michael Gove. was raised.
The bill, described in the letter as “the biggest set of changes to the private rental sector in over 30 years”, reached the reporting stage for parliamentary passage in November last year, but a date for further consideration has yet to be allocated. It has not been done. This fuels growing speculation that the government is planning a major U-turn.
The government has said section 21 will not be abolished until the court system is reformed to make the process fairer for landlords.
But NRLA and Crisis, like other activists, warned that “time is running out” for the bill to be fully scrutinized.
“In recent weeks, there have been numerous reports that the government is considering amendments to the bill,” the letter said.
“The confusion and uncertainty surrounding the future of this bill has had a negative impact on the rental market, causing many responsible landlords to refrain from investing in new rental housing.
“Rumors, speculation, and endless off-the-record press conferences are causing great concern and anxiety for tenants and responsible landlords.
“We therefore urge the Government to urgently and fully publish the proposed amendments currently under consideration, so that all parties can decide for themselves what is on the table and debate their contents in public. Time is running out to ensure that this bill receives due consideration and passes through Congress.
“The lack of progress and uncertainty about the future is creating instability and damage for those living and working in the private rented sector. This must end.”
A government spokesperson commented: “Our landmark landlord reform bill has passed through Parliament and will deliver a fairer private rental sector for both tenants and landlords.
“We continue to meet regularly with a range of bodies representing everyone in the private rented sector to work on reform.”