What we are doing for you: Your campaigns update for March

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Westminster this month, the NRLA's campaigns team has been busy ensuring that your concerns are brought to the attention of government officials, elected representatives and key stakeholders. Samuel Leeson, Campaigns and Public Affairs Executive, elaborates on our efforts to shape the political and policy agenda. 

Seeking clarity on the Renters (Reform) Bill  

With three months having passed since the Renters (Reform) Bill was last debated, the NRLA has been urging the Government to provide landlords with clarity on its plans to reform the private rented sector (PRS). This has involved meetings with key officials from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities to discuss the progress and timeline for the Bill's next debate in Parliament. 

Learn more about what our chief executive Ben Beadle has to say about this elsewhere in the bulletin.

These discussions support the ongoing dialogues we have had with the Minister responsible for the Bill, Jacob Young MP, where we have been urging the Government to address the concerns we have raised. These conversations have revolved around crucial issues, such as ensuring the court system is fit for purpose before the removal of Section 21. Our Policy Officer, Dan Cummings, who recently attended the courts, has shed light on the scale of the crisis they are facing in an article you can read here. 

Shaping policy through our consultation responses  

We have also been responding to consultations initiated by Government departments, parliamentary select committees, local authorities, and relevant trade bodies. 

This includes a consultation launched by the Government regarding permitted development rights, where the NRLA is arguing that these could make it easier to extend or create new homes but will not have a sufficient impact on boosting the supply of rented homes in the PRS. 

At the local level, we are currently responding to consultations initiated by local authorities across England, where they are seeking to introduce several selective or additional licensing schemes. This includes a consultation initiated by the London Borough of Lambeth on the implementation of the UK's most expensive selective licensing scheme, which will eventually cover a total of 23 out of 25 wards in the area. 

Boosting access to the PRS for renters with accessibility needs 

The PRS is now home to an increasing number of tenants with distinct accessibility needs. In our endeavour to support these renters, the NRLA has been meeting with senior officials to discuss how we can best back Government-led efforts to increase the supply of adapted rented properties in private rental market. 

To bolster this work, we have developed guidance on Disabled Facilities Grants, a means-tested grant that facilitates the installation of adaptations. This guidance has received backing from Foundations, a national body that has been at the forefront of advocating for and managing DFGs, and can be downloaded here. 

What’s on the horizon? 

With the Renters (Reform) Bill still in limbo, time is running out for the Government to legislate on the Bill. The Housing Secretary Michael Gove, however, still insists that he will deliver on the proposed package of reforms before the next General Election, which means an announcement should be expected soon. 

In other news, the Chancellor of the Exchequer will deliver his Spring Budget on Tuesday. Prior to the budget, the NRLA submitted evidence to the Government, where we called for tax measures aimed at bolstering the supply of privately rented property. 

Support our campaigns and get involved! 

We are committed to advocating for your interests as landlords at the highest levels of Government.   

To discover how you can contribute to our campaigning, take a look at the NRLA’s write to your MP page, where you can find templates letters and our online tool that will automatically find your local MP and ensure your letter follows parliamentary protocol.   

As always, we appreciate your ongoing support and remember, your voice matters. With your support, we can drive positive change for landlords across the country.   

More Information    

  • To access the NRLA’s Renters (Reform) Bill Hub, which provides all the information you need to know, including answers to frequently asked questions on the Bill, please click here.    

  • If you would like to learn more about the legislative process and how the Renters (Reform) Bill will become law, you can find more information here.  

  • You can download our updated factfinder, providing an overview of the Renters (Reform) Bill and outlining the NRLA's recommendations on specific issues, by clicking here.