The Lords has published a list of amendments prior to the forthcoming Committee Stage (date to be announced)

The full list of the amendments can be seen here, and a summary here.

Note the following areas of concerns for landlords:

• Lord Bird intends the Bill to become an Act all at the same time, not allowing for implementation
• Baroness Grender wants all Section 8 grounds to be discretionary
• Earl of Kinnoull & Baroness Fookes want to stop the requirement for pets insurance
• Baronesses Lister & Grender and Lord Cashman want to restrict the use of Guarantors
• Lord Shipley has asked Selective Licensing be for 10 years, not 5 as present
• Lord Best wants PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) to be exempt from licensing schemes.

There are many good suggestions, highlighted in green.  These include:

• retain Fixed Terms – different models proposed
• limiting reasons rent increases would have to go to the FTT (First Tier Tribunal)
• allowing 12 months rent in advance
• all agents to be trained (ROPA report)
• repeal the requirement to carry out Right to Rent Checks
• allow Section 21 under certain circumstances.

Even if these get accepted by the Lords, they are likely to be removed by the Government, but will act as an indicator of voters thoughts.

If you believe that this Bill will impact your business, write/email to your MP stating why it will.  Find your MP here.

Additionally, we urge you to write/email the above members of the Lords if their proposed amendment will cause you problems.

As ever, ensure you are constructive in your correspondence, not just critical.