The NRLA has insisted that its evidence around the Renters’ Rights Bill was not “alarmist” nor due to “fundamental opposition” to proposed changes as claimed by housing minister Matthew Pennycook.

In a terse letter to him which is also signed by the British Property Federation, refereing firm Goodlord, Propertymark and Leaders Romans Group, it explains that concerns regarding capacity in the court system to deal with possession cases are well-founded and underpinned by robust evidence.

They are concerned that during the Bill’s committee stage, when discussing possession claim timelines, Pennycook said: “…some of the more alarmist statements about the readiness of the county court system may have more to do with fundamental opposition to the abolition of Section 21 and the current tenancy regime than they are an impartial assessment of court performance”.

The letter reminds the minister that he has previously agreed that the court system is “on its knees”. The letter says the government needs to be clear about what the court system being ‘ready’ means in practice and that if implementation of the Bill is two months after Royal Assent – as recently suggested by a department official - it is, “gravely concerned that the sector will not be properly prepared”.

On its knees

NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle (pictured) explains: “We are realists and pragmatists - and certainly not denialists.”

The group wants the minister to provide urgent clarification about how the government plans to implement the Bill and to include early discussions with the PRS about the system to replace Section 21.

They argue that the minister’s reference to a 8.1-week timeframe for processing claims in court is not an accurate measure of performance, as it can take landlords 31 weeks before gaining possession.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government spokesperson told The Independent: “We will of course work closely with landlords to ensure that they are prepared for any changes and we are also working at speed across government to make sure the justice system is prepared for any changes to caseload".

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