Three-year tenancies - online agency is the latest to voice opposition

An online lettings agency is the latest to voice opposition to the government’s proposed three year standard tenancies for the private rental sector.

The proposal was put forward in a consultation document released earlier this month and has been largely criticised by mainstream agents.

Now Alexandra Morris, managing director of MakeUrMove, has added her voice to the debate, saying that although three year tenancies have been positioned as beneficial for both landlord and tenant, they can restrict flexibility. 

“For example, landlords who rent out their property after moving in with a partner, or who are renting due to working away, may find they need to move back into their properties or they will find themselves homeless. As many as 60 per cent of landlords are these small ‘accidental’ landlords and their rights need to be considered as well” says Morris. 

"Initial feedback from the tenants we work with suggests that as many as 80 per cent of tenants are happy with their current tenancy lengths and 79 per cent would prefer six, 12 or 24 month tenancies rather than a three-year tenancy” she adds. 

“We need to ensure that by trying to improve tenants' options and security, we are putting in place well-considered solutions, rather than a knee-jerk reaction that will ultimately be damaging and restrictive for both landlords and tenants.”

Communities Secretary James Brokenshire says of the proposal put forward by his department: "It is deeply unfair when renters are forced to uproot their lives or find new schools for their children at short notice due to the terms of their rental contract. Being able to call your rental property your home is vital to putting down roots and building stronger communities."

You can see the government’s consultation on the proposal here.