Overview of House of Lords Committee Stage - the Renters' Rights Bill
From the 22nd April to the 14th May 2025, the House of Lords undertook a meticulous clause-by-clause review of the Renters’ Rights Bill across six sittings at Committee Stage. Each session brought forward proposed amendments, clarifications, and constructive scrutiny intended to reinforce the legislative framework, improve the Bill's enforceability, and ensure a balanced approach between tenant protection and landlord responsibility.
Committee Day 1 – 22 April 2025
Key Themes: Definitions
Peers debated the definition and removal of assured shorthold tenancies.
There was also a push to ensure that the reformed tenancy structure maintains clarity and enforceability, particularly regarding the rights of possession and eviction, to prevent unintended disruption to housing associations and local authorities.
The Renters Rights Bill enters Committee Stage
Today, 22nd October 2024, the Renters Rights Bill entered Committee Stage. This will mean that the Bill will undergo what is known as ‘Legislative Scrutiny’.
The Committee is made up of 17 MPs.
Gathering Evidence: The MPs in question will begin the process of gathering evidence.
Examination of the Bill: The Bill will go through detailed examination. This is common for complex or significant legislation. The committee scrutinises the bill's provisions in depth, considering both the broader implications and the finer details.
https://committees.parliament.uk/work/8527/further-to-consider-the-bill/
Renters Rights Bill - Another addition to Landlord Obligations
The introduction of the Renters Rights Bill is one of the biggest shifts in housing law for 30 years. However, landlords have been navigating legal changes for almost 100 years.
The list below shows some of the legislation affecting landlords, tenants, and property professionals in the England & Wales.
1920s
Governs the transfer of property ownership and rights, including landlord and tenant contracts.
1950s
Accommodation Agencies Act 1953
Regulates accommodation agencies and prevents unscrupulous practices in by property professionals.
1950s–1960s
Establishes duties of care for occupiers of property to ensure visitors are reasonably safe.
Protects against false statements made by landlords or agents during tenancy agreements.
King’s Speech presents Renters’ Rights Bill
The highly anticipated King’s Speech on 17th July under the Labour government did not contain any real surprises for the Private Rented except for the fact that what was the Renters Reform Bill kicked into the long grass when the General Election was announced, has now been renamed the Renters’ Rights Bill - emphasis on the first 2 words.
The King’s Speech set out the government's priorities and proposed legislative programme for the next Parliamentary session.
While acknowledging that responsible landlords had made a great contribution to the private rented sector, the government believes that there should be reform with regards to the rights of landlords and tenants.