Ministers’ Meetings on Renters Reform Bill
Ministers met with lobbyists for landlords and estate agents twice as often as they did groups representing renters as they worked to refine new protections for tenants in the landmark Renters Reform Bill, according to analysis by PoliticsHome.
Background of the Renters Reform Bill
At the heart of the government’s initial proposal to reform the private rental sector was a pledge to abolish the practice of ‘no fault’ evictions – the ability for landlords to evict tenants without cause often in retaliation for them making complaints.
Following backlash from some Tory MPs and landlords, provisions for Section 21 of the bill relating to no fault evictions were watered down when the Bill passed its second reading in parliament in October 2023.
Ministerial Meetings Analysis
According to analysis of public records of ministerial meetings, in the two years leading up to September 2023, ministers at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) met with industry bodies representing landlords 23 times, an average of almost once a month. They met with groups representing private renters on 11 occasions.
- The highest number (16) of meetings with landlord industry bodies were with the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).
- The NRLA has opposed several measures in the Renters’ Reform Bill, including new energy efficiency standards and rent controls.
Concerns and Reactions
When the Government announced plans to delay the ban on ‘no fault’ evictions, the NRLA celebrated the move as a “huge win” attributed to “extensive lobbying” efforts.
Despite promises from Secretary Michael Gove, delays and complications for the Bill persist as new data suggests an increase in no-fault eviction notices served in England.
Anny Cullum, policy officer for community and renters union ACORN, expressed concerns about the focus on landlords over renters in the reform process.
Government Response
A spokesperson for DLUHC stated that the Renters’ Reform Bill “will deliver a fairer private rented sector for both tenants and landlords” and will abolish section 21 evictions.
They added: “Ministers and officials regularly meet with a range of groups, representing all those in the private rented sector.”