While the controversial Renters (Reform) Bill is making its way through Parliament, most landlords don’t know what is in it, a survey finds.
The Bill will deliver one of the biggest changes to England’s private rented sector.
Among the issues are the end of fixed term tenancies and the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.
The research from Propertymark found that 18%, or one in five landlords, agreed that they understood the Bill.
And 20% of landlords disagreed.
Another 61% said they neither agreed nor disagreed.
‘81% of landlords were not confident that they understood the Bill’
Propertymark says: “This suggests that 81% of landlords were not confident that they understood the Bill or at the very least, were not entirely confident.
“This is alarming but not unexpected given that 77% of landlords hadn’t read or had only partially read the guidance.
“This raises questions regarding the robustness of the Bill’s communication and consultation process and the extent to which landlords proactively engage with legislation.
“Regardless, it does not bode well for future implementation and compliance.”
Members will offer professional support to landlords
The letting agents’ body says that should the Bill become law, its members will offer professional support to landlords to deal with its implementation and compliance.
Propertymark worries over whether the government will offer more guidance – and whether any support will be enough to help self-managing landlords.
The organisation says: “As it stands, the Bill necessitates a range of changes which will fundamentally alter how the sector operates.
“Change on this scale can cause uncertainty and this can lead to worry and resistance.”
The research can be found in the report, ‘Reforming the PRS: landlord views of the Renters (Reform) Bill’.
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