NRLA calls for Renters’ Rights Bill changes to help student landlords
Student landlords in England will be keenly watching the return of the Renters’ Rights Bill to the Lords next month with amendments that could impact the student accommodation sector.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is pushing for tweaks to make the proposed law practical and balanced for student accommodation landlords.
It wants changes to the student possession ground with an extension of the ground allowing it to be applied to one- and two-bedroom student homes.
The organisation is also calling for students to have the ability to pay rent by term, rather than monthly.
It says these changes will make the Bill ‘fair and workable in practice.’
Evaluate rent rises
Beyond student accommodation, the NRLA wants a streamlined system to evaluate rent rises before they spiral into tribunal battles.
It says that working with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) would provide clarity on fair market rates, sparing landlords and tenants costly disputes.
In a bid to tackle rent arrears, the NRLA is suggesting an upfront rent payment as a tenancy condition and restoring the two-month arrears trigger for mandatory possession proceedings.
The NRLA says: “Lord Carter of Haslemere proposes the existing (two month) threshold remains when the Renters' Rights Bill comes into force, in line with our recommendations, as well as a caveat that would exempt arrears built up as a result of issues with Universal Credit payments.
"We have also called for a full implementation plan for the changes being brought forward in the Bill – and a clear plan for the justice system – to ensure it has the confidence of landlords and tenants."
More Bill amendments
The Lords’ debate is scheduled for 22 and 24 April with more dates likely and there’s already a promise of a robust debate.
Since its last Lords airing on 4 February, the Bill has ballooned with 50 pages of amendments.
Each will face thorough discussion, with peers free to weigh in at length.
After this stage, two more Lords hurdles await before the Commons gives its approval, potentially by summer.
Then, secondary laws will be needed to flesh out specifics, such as what landlords must include in periodic tenancy statements, before the Bill becomes law.
Amendment could impact student landlords
Another amendment to the Bill which might impact some student landlords is that they won’t be able to refuse a tenant wanting to upgrade to fibre broadband in their home.
Mirroring the new pet-friendly rules, landlords won’t be able to ‘unreasonably refuse’ a tenant’s request for high-speed internet upgrades.
A government spokesperson told Accommodation for Students: “We are determined to close the digital divide and ensure everyone has access to fast and reliable broadband, no matter where they live or work.
“Our Renters’ Rights Bill will transform the experience of private renting, and we will respond to the amendment in due course, while we continue to work with operators, landowners, housing associations and local authorities on this important issue.”
‘Seismic shift for student landlords’
Simon Thompson, the managing director of Accommodation for Students, said: “The Renters’ Rights Bill promises a seismic shift for student landlords in England.
“With the NRLA championing practical fixes, like termly rent payments and broader possession rights, the legislation could ease the unique pressures of letting to students.
“Add in streamlined rent reviews, arrears safeguards and a fresh mandate for fibre broadband, and the student rental landscape is poised for transformation.”
He added: “As the Bill nears Royal Assent, those in the student housing sector will be watching keenly and be getting ready to adapt to a different but, hopefully, workable future.”
