Property industry experts have given a mixed response to an MPs’ report on the Government’s plans to reform the PRS.

A proposal to introduce new housing courts is welcomed, but the idea of a single ombudsman for all lettings agents is rejected.

MPs on the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee backed government plans in the Renters Reform Bill to scrap Section 21 ‘no fault evictions’.

The abolition of fixed term tenancies was also supported by the MPs but they wanted to keep fixed term tenancies for student lets.

The committee said housing courts were needed to ease the pressure on the general courts because there was a danger that the reforms would ramp up the number of cases.

Also, the report says a single ombudsman should be introduced for the whole of the PRS to replace the two existing lettings schemes.

Fair and workable

Chris Norris, policy director for NRLA, says: “We have never been against reform of the sector, but it has to be fair and workable for both tenants and landlords.

“That is why the committee is right to call for court reform to underpin the ending of Section 21, changes in plans for student tenancies and ensuring cases of anti-social behaviour are prioritised by the courts.”

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, says: “We are pleased to see our evidence-based proposals are being listened to. This includes retaining fixed-term contracts in the student private rented sector, introducing a specialist housing court, fast-tracking all possession claims in respect of rent arrears and antisocial behaviour and the need for more social house building.

“It is concerning, however, that the committee has recommended that the Government introduce a single ombudsman for the whole of the private rented sector without considering its impact.”

Read the committee report here.