Agency worried over Rayner scrapping Section 21 “on day one”

A lettings agency which has given broad support to the Renters Reform Bill now says it’s concerned that shadow housing Secretary Angela Rayner wants to scrap Section 21 “on day one” of a Labour government.

Leaders Romans Group’s national lettings director Allison Thompson says: “While the Conservatives had confirmed that they would not move ahead with scrapping section 21 until the court system had been reformed as necessary, it is concerning that Labour stated … via Angela Rayner, that section 21 evictions would be banned, with no caveats, on its first day in power if it won the election.”

Thompson continues: “We feel that the bulk of the proposals in the [Renters Reform] Bill were reasonable and positive changes for the rental market overall and we expect to see it resurrected by the next government. However, it is vital that the necessary time is taken to understand and account for the various effects of losing section 21.”

Thompson also wants clarification on Labour’s broad proposal on raising the minimum EPC rating in private rental properties.

She says this requires the next government to understand the challenges for landlords and take a realistic approach to energy efficiency policies for the PRS.

“Landlords are currently in a limbo when it comes to EPCs, with the requirement to achieve a grade C having been scrapped, for now. Making energy efficiency structural changes is a long-term process, which needs to be managed around rental voids, so landlords need a clearer timeframe for any future change. Consideration also needs to be given to whether the requirements are reasonable in the light of growing costs to landlords.”

Last autumn Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ditched EPC targets for the private rental sector, citing unreasonable costs for landlords. But Labour last week said private renters will be £250 a year better off under a Labour government after it forces landlords to improve the energy efficiency of rental homes.

Rayner commented: “Time and time again, the Tories have failed to stand up for renters. From endless delays to no-fault evictions, to failure to sort damp, cold and mouldy homes, the Conservatives are failing working people.