On Tuesday, 14th January, Rebecca Smith MP delivered a speech on the Renters’ Rights Bill in Parliament, supporting New Clause 20 which calls for a robust impact assessment of the new renting legislation after 12 months.
Whereas the previous Conservative Government wanted to protect tenants by bringing an end to 'no-fault' evictions under the Renters' Reform Bill, the Labour Government have taken and turned the proposed legislation into the Renters' Rights Bill. While this has gold-plated rights for tenants, Rebecca is concerned having listened to Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH) and the South West Landlords’ Association that it will ultimately cause landlords to sell up. This will mean less houses for rent in Devon.
That's why Rebecca advocated for New Clause 20 which, in her words, “at least calls for an impact assessment”. The South West Devon MP is disappointed that Labour have shut down this clause which offers the opportunity to review unintended consequences caused by the Act after a year. We simply do not know what impact this legislation will have on the housing market.
Opening her speech, Rebecca Smith MP, Member of Parliament for South West Devon, stated:
“I support New Clause 20 [...] I believe a review of the Bill’s impact on the housing market after a year is important to ensure that we make it even better than it already is, and to address those unintended consequences [such as the impact on students; on financially vulnerable tenants, such as those with low credit scores; on tenants who have pets; on small landlords, who are themselves vulnerable to financial shocks; and other groups, such as agricultural workers and those with work-related accommodation, including NHS workers, military families and school staff].
“We can all agree that is important, given the challenges we have already heard about regarding the long housing waiting lists and the homelessness rife across our country. It is also important to listen to landlords.”
As a member of the Public Bill Committee for the Renters’ Rights Bill, Rebecca has been working cross-party twice a week since October to take evidence from key stakeholders, examining the Bill line by line and reviewing each provision in detail, ensuring the legislation is both fair and fit for purpose. She has had serious reservations about the knock-on effects of the legislation, arguing as early as November 2024 that "abolishing ‘no-fault’ evictions without improving the court system to manage disputes will likely push private landlords out of the sector and place even more pressure on our local housing stock". New Clause 20 provided an opportunity to reassess this and other unintended consequences after a year and improve the legislation.
