How is a Car Engine linked to the Renters’ Rights Bill?
The photo below is of an engine - not to sure what kind, but it's purpose is to serve as an analogy for what is happening in the private rented sector.
An engine is a sophisticated piece of equipment and if well maintained, regularly inspected, warning lights or odd noises addressed and serviced by a professional, will serve its purpose for a long time.
Before an excellent mechanic takes an engine apart, they will know exactly what it takes to research and plan out the engine rebuild.
Renters’ Rights Bill - Consideration of Commons amendments - HOL -14th October 2025
There we have it. The expectations may have been high, and the outcome disappointing, but the ‘Ping Pong’ stage of the Renters’ Rights Bill will not last very long, in fact, the likelihood is that the Bill will not find it’s way back to the House of Lords again.
The proposed amendments, some of which were extremely significant - restrictions on advanced rent payments, some protection for landlords who consent to tenants having a pet, the quality of rented property for MOD personnel, preventing relet for a 12 month period under Ground 1A should a rented property fail to sell - and some relevant points were put forward in favour, but did not have a significant impact on the Bill.
Comments from David Smith on House of Commons debate - Renters' Rights Bill
Author - David Smith
September 8, 2025
I did not watch the House of Commons debate on the Lords' amendments to the Renters' Rights Bill live but I was reviewing the transcript in the Commons' Hansard.
Leaving aside how awesome it is that the Hansard is available with a detailed transcript so soon after the debate, I think the Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook, said a number of important things.
First was on rent increases. The Minister re-iterated the possibility of changing the rules to allow some backdating of rent increases to the date of a s13 notice. However, he was very clear that this is not something the government is intending to do as a matter of course and it will not be used "unless and until it is considered necessary to avoid lengthy delays for genuine cases to be heard" where the tribunal is "overwhelmed". Given that the government thinks the civil courts are going to be fine, I wonder what will count as overwhelm.
On the same topic the Minister also stated that the Government has "concluded that there is a compelling case for the use of an alternative body or mechanism to make initial rent determinations" and it will "establish such an alternative body or mechanism as soon as possible".
A New Academic Year: Lessons for the Private Rented Sector
September marks the beginning of a new academic year, bringing with it structure, renewal, and a sense of preparation. Pupils arrive with timetables, teachers with lesson plans, and educational establishments with strategies designed to ensure success.
The Private Rented Sector (PRS) can draw strong parallels with this process – particularly as it prepares for the most significant legislative reform in decades: the Renters’ Rights Act.
With the abolition of Section 21, a new type of tenancy, and strengthened compliance, landlords and letting agents cannot afford to be reactive. As with education, success will depend on foresight, organisation, and adapting.