By We are pleased to report a highly successful experience at the National Landlord Investment Show on March 19th. iHowz had the privilege of participating in the main panel at the start of the event and later hosted an afternoon panel session. Both sessions attracted significant interest, with standing-room-only attendance and a wealth of engaging questions from landlords and industry professionals.
Key Topics of Concern
The most pressing concerns raised during the discussions revolved around:
- The Renters’ Rights Bill
- New energy efficiency requirements for landlords, including the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) and upcoming changes to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system.
A quick straw poll conducted during the event revealed a notable trend: while a small minority of landlords were strongly considering selling their properties due to regulatory challenges, a similar number were actively looking to expand their portfolios. This suggests a divided market, with some landlords seeing challenges while others see opportunities.
To gain a clearer picture of landlords’ intentions, iHowz will be launching a comprehensive survey. We encourage all landlords to participate, as the data gathered will be instrumental in shaping our lobbying efforts and strengthening our case with policymakers.
House of Lords Roundtable Discussion
As part of our ongoing advocacy work, iHowz recently attended a roundtable discussion in the House of Lords. This session was chaired by Baroness Scott, the opposition lead on the Renters’ Rights Bill, and provided an invaluable opportunity to discuss landlord concerns directly with policymakers.
Key issues addressed included:
- Loss of Fixed Terms: Concerns over the potential loss of stability for landlords and tenants alike.
- Student Lets: The impact of the proposed reforms on student rental markets, which rely heavily on fixed-term contracts.
- Impact on Rents: The likelihood that increased tribunal appeals over Section 13 rent increases could lead to unpredictable rental adjustments and greater administrative burdens for landlords.
Renters’ Rights Bill Timeline
During the roundtable, we were given insight into the expected legislative process for the Renters’ Rights Bill:
- The Lords Committee Stage will begin on Tuesday, April 22nd, running for four days.
- The Lords Report is anticipated to be released in mid-May.
- The Bill will then return to the House of Commons for further debate.
- A period of back-and-forth revisions between the Commons and Lords is expected, a process known as ‘ping pong’.
- The Commons will eventually impose a deadline (a guillotine) on the ping pong process, at which point the Bill will pass into law.
It remains uncertain whether the Bill will receive Royal Assent before Parliament rises on July 22nd. If not, the earliest the law could come into effect would be early October. However, there is still a possibility that it could be finalised in July.
Implementation of the New Act
Once the Bill becomes law, the next challenge will be its implementation. At this stage, no official timetable has been published detailing when specific measures will be enforced. This lack of clarity adds to the uncertainty faced by landlords, making long-term planning more difficult.
Additional Legislative Challenges
The Renters’ Rights Bill is not the only major legislative change affecting landlords. The government is also progressing with:
- The White Paper on Leasehold Reform: A broad set of proposals aimed at improving transparency and fairness in leasehold property ownership.
- The Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Aimed at reforming the planning system to facilitate more efficient development and housing supply.
These additional reforms further complicate the legislative landscape, placing additional pressure on parliamentary time and increasing uncertainty for landlords.
Conclusion
With multiple significant legislative changes on the horizon, landlords must stay informed and proactive in adapting to new regulations. iHowz remains committed to advocating for landlords’ interests, providing updates, and ensuring that our voices are heard in policy discussions.
We encourage landlords to participate in our upcoming survey, engage with industry discussions, and stay informed about legislative developments. By working together, we can navigate these changes effectively and ensure that the private rental sector remains a viable and sustainable option for both landlords and tenants.
Stay tuned for further updates and thank you to all who attended and contributed to the discussions at the National Landlord Investment Show.
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