It remains unclear when the Renters’ Rights Bill will become law despite a new date for its latest stage in the Lords being given – July 1st.

The property sector is waiting for the landmark legislation to take effect almost a year after the previous government’s version was lost to the General Election.

The Renters (Reform) Bill was dropped by the Conservatives in the ‘wash-up’ process when the election was called.

Just 7 days

Labour’s attempt to reform the PRS one year on has passed through the House of Commons, and is now progressing through the Lords, but still has two stages to complete.

There are three dates for debates on the ‘report stage’ in the House of Lords next month, but no date for a third reading, which is the last hurdle before it returns to the Commons to consider any amendments, and then receives Royal Assent to become law.

But there are only seven days between the last debate in the Lords on 15 July and the Commons breaking for its summer recess on 22 July.

Unlikely

So, it would seem unlikely it will get through before MPs go on their summer holidays, and they don’t return until the beginning of September but then break again for ‘conference season’.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook had originally predicted the bill would become law in the spring this year.

The bill will introduce a ban on Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, as well as a new mandatory ombudsman for all landlords, a private rental sector database of landlords, and the removal of fixed term tenancies.

‘Labour ramming Renters’ Rights Bill through Parliament’