The Renters’ Rights Bill is being promoted as tenant-friendly legislation, but housing law expert Des Taylor of Landlord Licensing & Defence argues it’s primarily a revenue-boosting tool for local councils. Speaking at the HMO Action Group Spring Conference, Taylor warned that:

• Section 21 abolition will shift landlords to slower Section 8 evictions, reducing tenant eligibility for council housing support.

• Councils benefit from lower emergency housing costs and increased fines—ranging from £5k to £25k—for minor landlord errors.

• Landlords lose out, facing up to 16-month delays reclaiming properties and double council tax on unsold homes.

• Tenants in arrears may suffer the most, with less chance of qualifying for housing help.

Taylor calls the Bill politically driven and urges landlords to resist what he calls “revenue-focused enforcement.” The HMO Action Group continues to lead the charge for fairer treatment.