A leading agency lettings boss has called on the Government to produce an implementation plan for the Renters’ Rights Bill.

With the bill close to completing its passage through Parliament, there is some nervousness in the property sector over its impact.

And now Allison Thompson, who is National Lettings MD at LRG (main picture), wants ministers to provide a clear timetable and guidance.

Clear and practical plan

“As the Renters’ Rights Bill nears the finish line, what the sector needs now is a clear and practical plan for implementation.

“The Bill marks a significant shift. It ends Section 21, moves all new and existing tenancies to periodic tenancies, tightens the grounds for possession, limits rent increases to once a year, and introduces both a PRS ombudsman and a national property portal,” she says.

Success will ultimately depend on how the reforms are implemented.”

“These are positive steps. However, success will ultimately depend on how the reforms are implemented. The transition must be carefully phased and underpinned by clear, usable guidance.”

She says the court system needs improvements, such as targets for listing times and more use of housing specific lists.

Confusion risk

For the switch to periodic tenancies, she says: “The plan to move all assured shorthold tenancies over in one step creates a risk of confusion.

“We need fixed dates, standardised terms, and clear transitional rules, including confirmation that current rent-in-advance arrangements can continue.”

And she supports the new ombudsman and property portal, saying: “These could drive real change, but only if they’re simple to use.

“With the right systems in place, compliance becomes the default and renters benefit faster.”

More on the Renters’ Rights Bill