Renters Reform Bill - MPs to hear agents’ worries t...

A senior Propertymark official will today tell MPs of the industry’s concerns about the Renters Reform Bill.

The Bill has reached the so-called committee stage - when it’s scrutinised by an all-party group of MPs.

The committee is reported to be going ahead even though Tory MP Rachel Maclean, who until yesterday was Housing Minister, has now been sacked in Rishi Sunak's reshuffle. Maclean was to have introduced the Bill to the committee on behalf of the government.

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns, will appear before the committee today and says: “Propertymark is committed to ensuring that the Bill is evidence-based, and the role of property agents is incorporated fairly within the introduction of a new Ombudsman for landlords, and agents can play a full role in increasing property standards.

“We want to see a use of fixed term tenancies where both parties want one - this is particularly important for the student sector, a role for inventories within the reforms, strengthened mandatory grounds and the qualification and regulation of property agents through utilising the registration requirements contained within the PRS Database proposals.

“We look forward to providing evidence to the Committee and working with the UK Government to ensure the reforms are fit the purpose.”

Propertymark will also submit a written submission to the committee based around a number of key calls including court reform, fixed term tenancies, qualification and regulation of property agents, pets, inventories and written tenancy agreements.

The all-party committee consists of:

- Nickie Aiken MP (Conservative);

- Mike Amesbury MP (Labour);

- Shaun Bailey MP (Conservative);

- Sara Britcliffe MP (Conservative);

- Karen Buck MP (Labour);

- Anna Firth MP (Conservative);

- Mary Glindon MP (Labour);

- Eddie Hughes MP (Conservative);

- Siobhain McDonagh MP (Labour);

- Rachel Maclean MP (Conservative, ex-Housing Minister - listed to appear but has now been sacked from post);

- Gagan Mohindra MP (Conservative);

- Helen Morgan MP (Liberal Democrat);

- Matthew Pennycook MP (Labour, Shadow Housing Minister);

- Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP (Labour);

- Dean Russell MP (Conservative);

- Ben Spencer MP (Conservative); and

- Craig Tracey MP (Conservative).

The evidence session will be broadcast on Parliament TV from 9.25am until 5pm, with a break for lunch. You can watch live here.

Hit Man
14 November 2023 10:11 AM

Totally agree with no faith... PropertyMark are pushing for regulation of agent to benefit themselves, the majority of Agents do a good job and comply with law, the government should concentrate on regulating Landlords..

Annoyed Landlord
14 November 2023 10:15 AM

@Hit Man, landlords have enough regulation thanks all the same. Perhaps they should regulate tenants. For example, non-payment of rent to be regarded as a simple breach of contract so out you go within say seven days. No arguing, no whining to a judge, just OUT.

Annoyed Landlord
14 November 2023 11:39 AM

Really? Most landlords I deal wth are professionals. As for registering for AML, few rents qualify so that is just money wasted because HMRC will not supervise them, just take their money.