Industry expert urges letting agents to champion the Renters’ Rights Bill

Industry expert urges letting agents to champion the Renters’ Rights Bill

0:03 AM, 26th July 2024, About 4 months ago 8

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Since letting agents have crucial knowledge about the private rented sector (PRS), they must push for its improvement and support the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill.

That’s the view of Neil Cobbold, PayProp’s commercial director, and he says agents must engage with MPs to achieve this.

He warns though that landlords need to be confident they can gain possession of their property when they need it.

And that also means the court backlog needs to be resolved.

‘Custodians of reliable information about the PRS’

Mr Cobbold said: “Property professionals need to understand exactly what is being proposed and prove to politicians that they are the true custodians of reliable information about the PRS.

“We know from the experience of the former Renters (Reform) Bill that MPs are prepared to listen.

“We managed to achieve changes to the legislation as it went through Parliament. Now, we must do the same again.”

Court backlog may damage landlord confidence

He continued: “The devil will be in the detail. As it stands, this new Bill will encounter the same problem as the last one – a massive backlog in the courts that may damage landlords’ confidence that they can regain possession of their properties when necessary.

“We need to wait and see what new measures the government intends to put in place to mitigate this and establish the timeline for change.

“But at first glance, agents will be best placed to suggest the necessary amendments to ensure this Bill works for the sector.”


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Sally Robinson

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10:41 AM, 26th July 2024, About 4 months ago

Half the agents I have come across are unqualified and ignorant chancers making money out other people's money. They don't own the properties or take the risks, so I think his comments are O.O.O!

Ian Narbeth

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10:53 AM, 26th July 2024, About 4 months ago

Neil Cobbold "warns though that landlords need to be confident they can gain possession of their property when they need it."
Ay, there's the rub. I very much doubt Labour MPs are interested in the problems caused to landlords by delays in the courts system. Yes, some Tory MPs in the last Government were "prepared to listen" but Labour has not said they will fix the courts before abolishing section 21. Because s8 cases take up more court time, expect delays to get even worse.
As I have said repeatedly, and I urge landlords to make this point to politicians, we are involuntary creditors. If a plumber carries out work on credit and the customer does not pay, there is a debt of £X on which interest may accrue. The plumber does not have to continue to provide £1000 to £2000 of service per month to that customer. Landlords are obliged to. Moreover, no customer ever smashes up the plumber's van and damage his tools.

Reluctant Landlord

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11:58 AM, 26th July 2024, About 4 months ago

"they must push for its improvement and support the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill.
How can anyone support something you know needs improvement still?
Labour dont give a stuff of the implications of lengthy court delays. Court delays are a good thing. It keeps tenants in the property for as long as possible. Tenants like this too and even more so when they think they don't have to pay the rent either while the process is ongoing (view essentially endorsed by the councils). Everyone is happy with the stats - they clearly show that evictions have reduced (even if only due to court delays/lack of bailiff appointments etc). The point is the numbers show Labour are keeping 'bad' landlords in check and tenants in properties. Bravo. Back slapping all round.
The PRS/Agents and all those vested parties that can clearly see the carnage that is inevitable should not be trying to 'engage' with Labour on this. It is enough to say we know you want to bring in this Renters RIGHTS Bill, but if you do X this will be the consequence.
Forget all this 'we would like to discuss this with you', 'we have concerns we wish to raise', ' we support the bill but offer some suggestions' rubbish.
Just like Shelter/Gen Rent etc the PRS needs a representative with the balls to get up and say, no we do not support this Bill while XYZ is proposed as this will be the consequence.
No time for 'consulting' - Labour want to rush S21 repeal at the minimum though as fast as possible, so a flare of reaction is needed asap.
NRLA /BB need to be on this asap not sitting back and trying to play peacemaker/ Labour create conflict and are used to the belt and braces union style approach. The PRS needs to hit back hard now so they have to rethink.

G Master

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16:27 PM, 26th July 2024, About 4 months ago

No industry expert is saying that. Only you Mr Property118

Neil Patterson

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16:53 PM, 26th July 2024, About 4 months ago

Reply to the comment left by G Master at 26/07/2024 - 16:27
I don't think you quite get we report the news sometimes of what others are saying without always giving an opinion, but we are always championing on behalf of good landlords.

Monty Bodkin

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19:27 PM, 26th July 2024, About 4 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Neil Patterson at 26/07/2024 - 16:53
Who wrote the title of "industry expert"?

Monty Bodkin

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19:32 PM, 26th July 2024, About 4 months ago

I doubt many good landlords would agree with any organisation not opposing scrapping section 21, let alone championing it!

It is a bloody stupid idea with far reaching consequences that is already hurting tenants.

Disgrunteld Landlady

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8:02 AM, 29th July 2024, About 4 months ago

Agents? I have used a lot of Agents and most have been incompetent, flat out crooked and ignorant and yes I agree with a comment above - most dont own a property. If they don't own properties they should not be consulted.

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