Landlords fear the Renters’ Rights Bill will mean they will lose of control of their properties and their ability to remove problem tenants, which they say is ‘vital’ – according to a new survey.

One landlord told Landbay: “Abolition of section 21 is completely wrong – landlords need to be able to take back control of their property, if so desired, once the fixed term AST (Assured Shorthold Tenancy) has expired.”

Another said: “It’s a catastrophe for landlords. It takes away any control of the property from landlords.”

Many more expressed concerns about lengthy court delays with Section 8 notices, which will become their only means of evicting problem tenants.

And their fears were not eased by Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner’s speech at the Labour Party conference, where she told members that the Bill would ‘rebalance the relationship between tenant and landlord and end no-fault evictions – for good.’

Overloaded courts

In response, one landlord commented: “To have any faith in these proposals is to be naive with regards to the capacity of the British court system to handle the workload in a reasonable time.”

And yet another added: “Currently, the courts are overwhelmed with the amount of requests they get. The courts need to cope before the Bill is implemented.”

Rob Stanton, sales and distribution director at Landbay, said: “Rent reform has long been on Labour’s radar and formed a key part of its election manifesto. We knew this would be a priority for the new government and it looks like it plans to move quickly.

Landlords have significant concerns about the new Bill.

“Nonetheless, our research shows that landlords have significant concerns about the new Bill, particularly around ‘no fault’ evictions.

“While no decent landlord will object to tenants being treated fairly, they argue that the property owner deserves the same rights.

“We have to hope that, as the Bill starts its long journey through parliament and the House of Lords, amendments are made to create a fairer piece of legislation that doesn’t negatively impact supply or rent for tenants.”

Landbay is a mortgage platform, created in-house to support customers with better ways to buy-to-let.