Peers have tabled amendments to the Renters’ Rights Bill which, if approved, would shape the legislation into a version of the previous Renters’ Reform Bill.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook (main image), the former Conservative Housing Minister, is behind many of the amendments, such as delaying the removal of Section 21 until the Lord Chancellor has published an assessment of the possession process, and the Secretary of State is satisfied that the courts service has sufficient capacity.

Other amendments up for debate in the House of Lords include the suggestion that fixed term tenancies of up to 12 months should be retained (with the ability to agree extensions) and/or the ability for tenants to request a specified term at any time after four months’ occupancy.

Student tenancies

Peers have proposed that student tenancies should remain as fixed term tenancies to provide certainty to tenants and landlords, and that landlords who let fewer than five properties should continue to be able to issue Section 21 eviction notices.

There are also amendments for tenants to give notice to quit not earlier than four months after the start of a tenancy - meaning a minimum tenancy of six months, rather than two months - for a tenant to pay up to 12 months of rent in advance if mutually agreed with the landlord, index-linking rent increases during the first four years of tenancies and removing the requirement that rent can only be decreased by a Tribunal.

Allison Thompson (pictured), national lettings managing director at Leaders Romans Group, says these mark a significant and positive step forward.

“Retaining fixed-term tenancies, rent increases to be index-linked, ensuring student lets remain workable, and delaying the removal of Section 21 until court capacity is reviewed are all thoughtful and much-needed suggestions,” adds Thompson.

“We welcome the commitment to assessing judicial capacity, as well as the recognition that small landlords - who make up a substantial portion of the sector - need a fair system that allows them to manage their properties effectively.”