The controversial Renters’ Rights Bill that will ban Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions is hurtling through Parliament.

After receiving its third reading in the House of Commons last week it quickly passed the first stage in the Lords, and is to be debated again in just two weeks’ time.

The pace of its progress towards becoming an act has prompted speculation that it could become law by the end of March.

This could be done by the end of March, and that timeline seems to be right.”

Leading property lawyer David Smith, a Partner at JMW Solicitors, says: “Demonstrating again that they are determined to move this on fast, the Renters’ Rights Bill got its first reading in the House of Lords yesterday, just a day after finishing in the House of Commons.

“Second reading in the Lords, which marks the start of actual debate in the Lords is set for 4 February. I have previously said that this could be done by the end of March, and that timeline seems to be right on current performance!”

Amendments

A series of Government amendments to change the Bill were passed by MPs, which included preventing landlords and letting agents from asking for more than one month’s rent in advance of a tenancy.

The proposal to restrict rent in advance was addressed by a coalition of housing bodies in a letter to Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, including NRLA, Propertymark, LRG and Goodlord, which warned that tenants with poor credit histories will be penalised.

Overturn

Other changes included allowing ‘superior landlords’ to be pursued for rent repayment orders (RROs) even if they have received no rent. This will overturn a Supreme Court ruling nearly two years ago that meant the ‘superior landlord’ was not liable for a RRO.

Several MPs spoke in favour of another amendment that will prevent guarantors from being pursued for rent when a tenant dies.