Renters' Rights Bill

Written evidence submitted by Andrew Gardner to The Renters’ Rights Public Bill Committee (RRB39).

 

(1) I have previously been an 'accidental landlord' and let my own home, and may need to again.

I write about my concerns for accidental landlords who need to end a tenancy to move back in

or sell under the proposed Renters Right Bill.

 

(2) The proposed notice and new restricted periods (under section8), in my understanding, are much

longer than existing law. This could severely affect accidental landlords. I refer to those who own one or two properties in total, and that the property has been their home or principal private residence. There will always be accidental landlords who need a viable way to let, and these are likely to be good homes.

 

(3) Examples of accidental landlords letting their own homes:-

- Let while caring for a relative (as a guest, without any legal tenure), and now needs to return home.

  eg. a parent with dementia. 

- Let due to financial need, and live with a relative or friend (without legal tenure).

- Let whilst they work elsewhere.

- Let as they have moved, because they have been unable to find a buyer or a sale has fallen through.

- Let as they now live with a partner.

- Let when elderly to help fund care home costs. 

- (Letting an inherited home).

 

(4) The minimum proposed tenancy, the protected period , is now 1 year, with 4 months notice to end it, double the current length. Section8 has exemptions or reduced notice periods, but accidental landlords are not included. They have valid personal circumstances, but seem to be treated with the lowest priority under the proposals even though they are the owners. These longer periods will be a severe concern to those who need to recover their property and landlords themselves could become homeless.

 

(5) If a tenancy is ended under the proposed section8, (to move back in or sell), the restricted period

of 12 months where the landlord cannot re-let is also a serious concern. An accidental landlord may 

genuinely try to sell, but cannot find a buyer due to market conditions, or a chain falls through and be

forced to re-let. Similarly a landlord who has needed to move back, finds circumstances change quickly

and needs to let again. Any landlord who wishes to retire from letting will similarly be at risk. To keep a

property empty for a year could equate to £20,000 ( eg : a 3bed band D house 12x £1350pcm rental loss

 + Council tax £2120 + empty property insurance + minimum heating etc), a severe penalty. 

 

Recommendation

(6) Currently 'section 21 no fault eviction', after a minimum tenancy of 6 months, and with 2 months

notice caters for accidental landlords.  Without an equivalent in the new Renters Rights Bill, this will

make it very hard for many to consider letting. I hope these points can be heard and that provision can be made in section8 for reduced periods or exemptions for these circumstances.

October 2024.