Public affairs update: Renters (Reform) Bill MIA, but lobbying continues

With all of the speculation over the timing and progress of the Renters (Reform) Bill, PayProp continues to champion the interests of the industry in our public affairs programme, to help ensure a representative outcome in whatever form the legislation takes.

We have been engaging directly with MPs who have suggested a range of balanced amendments to the Bill and have prepared our own briefing to highlight wider industry concerns to both MPs and Peers. The main areas of consideration include the current uncertainty about the court reform process and evidence for mandatory eviction under arrears. We have also called for clarity on the remit of the new private rented sector ombudsman, and want to ensure the division of responsibilities between agents and landlords is clearly defined.

Away from the Renters (Reform) Bill, PayProp is also responding to the government’s consultation on transparency of land ownership involving trusts, which aim to increase transparency around the ultimate beneficiary of trusts that own land in the UK. We are also awaiting updates from HM Treasury around proposed changes to Anti-Money laundering regulations in the private rented sector.